Considering the Past: Topics in M.C. History

When Meredith College relocated to the new campus in 1926, the library was located on the second floor of Johnson Hall. While having the capacity for 20,000 volumes, the space soon proved inadequate for the needs of the increasing number of staff and students.

Fundraising goals in 1944, 1952 and 1958 were toward a new or improved library, but follow-up action was repeatedly postponed. Finally in 1962, a $50,000 gift from the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation spurred the trustees to definitively propose and name the future library and to secure the necessary pledges.

Ground was broken on April 14, 1967. The new library was to be named for Carlyle Campbell, the newly retired president of Meredith College (1939-1966.) Campbell was honored for, along with his other work on behalf of the college, his commitment to the library’s “collection, staff and services.“

When it came time for the library books to be transferred from Johnson Hall, the call went out to students, faculty and staff. On Moving Day, February 5, 1969, (later nicknamed the "Book-In" in the spirit of the times) classes were cancelled and the campus community hand-carried the 52,000 books to the new building. While students from NCSU had volunteered to help, the Meredith College students were determined to do all the work themselves. 

Carlyle Campbell Library was dedicated on February 27, 1969.