W. E. B. Du Bois Library: A History of Architecture and Activism
The W. E. B. Du Bois Library stands as a central landmark of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Born from a period of exponential growth in the 1960s, the facility was designed to transition the university's library system into a modern era, providing the space and resources necessary to support an expanding student population.
Architectural Origins and Construction
To meet the growing demands of the university, the Board of Trustees commissioned architect Edward Durrell Stone. Following the guidance of a Boston library consultant, Stone designed a massive structure spanning nearly 310,000 square feet. Construction began in April 1969, and the doors officially opened to the public in 1973, with a formal dedication ceremony held in 1974.
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Structural Challenges and Restoration
The building's early years were marked by significant structural failures. In September 1979, Chancellor Henry Koffler ordered the building closed to address spalling—a process where fragments of the exterior brick facade break away and fall. During this crisis, the most critical volumes and the majority of library departments were relocated to the adjacent former Goodell Library Stacks.
The library reopened in December 1979 under strict limitations, including a maximum occupancy of 500 people and a requirement for entry tickets. Recovery began in earnest in 1983 when the state legislature provided $2.5 million for a major renovation. This funding allowed the university to repair the brick veneer, reconstruct the main lobby, and resize the lower floors. By 1985, the building returned to full usage.
In 1986, students and staff launched the "Mass Transformation" initiative. This community-led effort focused on cleaning and restoring the interior and established a campus competition to decorate the library stairwells with murals.
The Transition to the W. E. B. Du Bois Library
Originally known as the University Tower Library, the building was renamed in 1994 following a popular student movement. The decision to name the facility after W. E. B. Du Bois, the renowned African-American scholar and activist, sparked intense debate. Critics pointed to Du Bois's ties to the Communist Party USA, while university administration noted that policy typically reserved dedications for significant donors.
While the administration focused on practical policy concerns, students championed Du Bois for his fight against imperialism and capitalism. Despite the conflicts between the public, students, and administration, the dedication ultimately gained sufficient support and was celebrated by the community over several days.
Special Collections and Academic Legacy
Beyond its architecture, the library serves as a vital repository for historical research. The Special Collections house the memoirs and papers of W. E. B. Du Bois, which were acquired by former Chancellor Randolph Bromery, a personal friend of the scholar.
The library also preserves significant archives related to social issues, including the papers of:
- Congressman Silvio O. Conte
- Horace Mann Bond
- Kenneth R. Feinberg
- Daniel Ellsberg
Key Facts
- Architect: Edward Durrell Stone.
- Size: Nearly 310,000 square feet.
- Timeline: Ground broken in 1969; opened in 1973; dedicated in 1974.
- Major Renovation: $2.5 million state funding in 1983 to fix brick spalling.
- Renaming: Changed from University Tower Library to W. E. B. Du Bois Library in 1994.
- Notable Archives: Holds the personal papers of W. E. B. Du Bois and Daniel Ellsberg.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1969 | Ground broken for construction |
| 1973 | Building opened to the public |
| 1979 | Closed in September due to brick spalling |
| 1983 | $2.5 million state grant for renovations |
| 1985 | Restored to full usage |
| 1986 | "Mass Transformation" interior restoration |
| 1994 | Renamed the W. E. B. Du Bois Library |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the library closed in 1979?
The building was closed by Chancellor Henry Koffler to address "spalling," a structural issue where pieces of the exterior brick facade were falling away, posing a safety risk.
Who designed the library building?
The library was designed by architect Edward Durrell Stone, based on recommendations that the university needed nearly 310,000 square feet of space.
Why was there controversy over naming the library after W. E. B. Du Bois?
The controversy stemmed from Du Bois's associations with the Communist Party USA and the fact that university policy typically required dedications to be made to significant donors.
What is the "Mass Transformation" initiative?
Launched in 1986 by students and staff, this initiative aimed to clean and restore the library's interior and included a competition to add murals to the stairwells.
What significant documents are held in the Special Collections?
The library houses the memoirs and papers of W. E. B. Du Bois, as well as the papers of Daniel Ellsberg, Kenneth R. Feinberg, Horace Mann Bond, and Congressman Silvio O. Conte.