The Heart of the University is 30 - Archives, Krannert Memorial

The Heart of the University is 30!
Happy Birthday Krannert Memorial Library!
Christine Guyonneau
KML turned 30 in the Spring of 2007. During its three decades of existence, the building has
undergone several internal renovations reflecting UIndy success story and expansion. But
to the observing eye, the original ICU design on its exterior brick wall is a reminder to
us all how tradition and change can live harmoniously.
The present building is, in fact, the third location of the library. In 1905, it was composed of two
rooms in the unfinished basement of the original building (known then as the Administration
Building), and is now called Good Hall.
The library in 1916
It moved within Esch Hall in 1958 where it stayed until it achieved its “independence” in 1977.
Bolhen, Meyer and Gibson Associates, Inc. were the architectural firm, the same firm that also
built the Academic Building, now known as Esch Hall. Henry C. Beck was the contractor.
KML story begins in 1971 when, under the leadership of former president Gene Sease, Dr. A. B. and
Vera McKain (1919) made a donation towards the building of a new library. In 1973, through the
Krannert Charitable Trust, Mrs. Ellnora Krannert provided half of the $6.5 million needed for the
project, including $1 million for the library endowment. The gift was a memorial to her late husband,
Herman C. Krannert, who had been a trustee since 1960.
Ellnora Krannert Herman Krannert

The Krannerts had been longtime benefactors of the institution. They were the major
donors to a women’s dormitory, Krannert Hall, erected in 1961, which was later renamed
Cravens Hall.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on March 23, 1976, in presence of many
dignitaries, in particular Senator Richard G.Lugar, a longtime friend of the University,
and then-Mayor William H. Hudnut III, both former faculty members here.
Former president Esch, President Sease with other city officials
The cornerstone was laid by President Sease on October 2, 1976, during Homecoming
Weekend. Among the various items contained in a time capsule behind the cornerstone
are a microfilm of the building plans, a pattern book, the key to the city presented by
Mayor Hudnut, a picture of the Faculty and Staff, and a picture of the Library Staff.
President Sease laying the cornerstone

The building was completed in the Spring of 1977, and dedicated on October 23, 1977.
During the dedication prayer, Dr. Robert Cramer referred to the place as “an endless line
of splendor - - the liberating works of men of letters, the pioneering research of creative
scientists, the speculations of reflective philosophers, and the vibrating biographies of the
world’s heroes…We rejoice in the aesthetic experiences which this building, its
furnishing, and its appointment elicit in us, but keep ever before us that in its broadest
perspective, it is an instrument for the enhancement of life.”
The motto of the library was “The Treasury of Wisdom, the Heart of the University.”
KML in 1977
KML in 1999

The original building contained many rooms named after benefactors such as the Krafft
Conference Room , above named after prominent business leaders William R. and Mary
Helen Krafft.
Originally on the first floor, the Fouts Rare Books Room, named after Lois T. Fouts,
a 1932 graduate, former women’s basketball coach and Professor of English until her
retirement in 1974, is now located on the second floor.
The Smith Board Room was named after Patrick J. Smith, a prominent city attorney and
a1967 honorary degree recipient.. The 6 ½ feet wide and 22 feet long black walnut table
wascompletely designed and hand-made by cabinet maker Marcus M. Hirsch, an immigrant
from Israel. It is adjacent to the President’s Office.

The Smith Board Room
Least but not last, the President’s office remains in its original location on the south side of
the building.
The president’s office in 1977 The President’s Office in 1998
1949 alumna Florabelle Wilson was the librarian who helped choose the color theme and the
furnishing. The trademark of the library will remain those highly coveted egg-chairs
where many students and staff enjoyed stress relief!

2000 1977
Philip Young succeeded her in 1985 and, through his leadership, successfully brought the
library into the 21st Century by securing access to the first electronic databases. The year
was 1988, and the Internet was emerging.
1988: The past blending with the future.. 1998: The Reference area
Gradually, the online catalog replaced the old oak card catalog, and the library with its lone
computer of the late 80’s has become a vibrant place, blending social and intellectual
activities.

Through various grants, partnerships and teamwork within the Information Systems
Department, under which the library now operates, clusters of brand new scholar stations
enable the students to research scholarly databases as well as write their papers within one
location.
KML has undertaken several renovations within the past several years. During
the construction of Martin Hall, its basement was redesigned to house the Nursing School,
complete with classrooms and offices. After some recent modifications, the area houses now
the Modern Languages Department and a state-of-the art multipurpose computer lab.
Originally, the Learning Resources and Media Center was housed on the second
floor above the President’s Office. It was replaced for a few years by the Communications
Department, the offices of the Reflector, and WICR until they recently moved to their
respective locations in Esch Hall and Cravens Hall. Information Systems now occupies the
second floor of the area renamed “Sease Wing” by former president Jerry Israel. The
continuity remains in the original location of the President’s Office. Despite the changes,
Krannert Memorial Library truly remains “The Heart of the University, the Treasury of
Wisdom.”
Curios about KML at the time of its dedication:
Total man hours on the project: 90,712
Total number of bricks: 288,765
Total weight of stone: 219 tons
Total number of light fixtures: 1,536
Total length of electrical conduit: 12.6 miles
For additional readings about the history of the library from its beginnings, see: Sylvia
Henricks: “The realization of a Dream” ICU Alumni News Fall 1977 p. 6 ff.