Watson Library, sitting on top of the hill on Jayhawk Boulevard, is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year. Carrie Watson, KU’s first librarian and the building’s namesake, was raised in Lawrence and a member of KU’s fifth graduating class.

Emily Sutter | @EmilySutterTV

One day after graduating, Watson offered to give a friend a ride up to campus in her horse and buggy. At the time KU’s only building was in the current location of Fraser Hall, and hosted the library and other University operations.

Watson walked into the library and encountered chancellor James A. Marvin. Marvin, trying to figure out new student enrollment, looked overwhelmed. Watson offered to help the chancellor, and from there, he offered her the job to keep the library in order.

When walking through the library, you can see the history and architecture that makes Watson so special. The stacks, which house all kinds of books, serve as half floors and study areas.

The library is a welcoming place for students to go and study, featuring 5 floors of sitting areas, study rooms, computers, and the infamous stacks full of books. The building itself was finished in 1924, but the actual library has been a part of KU since the university’s founding.

Carol E. Smith, dean of KU Libraries, loves seeing alumni interact with the library even after they have left the University.

“Anytime I meet them and interact with them, they’re always like, please don’t take away the stacks. Please don’t take the books away from the stacks. We love the smell of the books. People have a lot of fond memories.” Smith said. 

The library’s history has impacted the campus community. With the centennial, the library has hosted many events for staff and students such as Charleston and Foxtrot dance classes, movie nights, and Art on the Lawn in front of Watson.

With birthday cake to celebrate on Sept. 19, students can take part in activities through the library throughout the rest of September.