Opened in 1969, Carlyle Campbell Library has adapted over the years, allowing students to access multiple formats of research and study materials, staff, faculty and collections, CCL also provides collaborative and quiet spaces to assist and encourage their academic endeavors. Archives, circulation, interlibrary loan, media services, reference, and the Learning Center are located in the library. Carlye Campbell Library is located on the central west side of campus, between Ledford, Martin and Gaddy-Hamrick.
When Meredith College relocated to the new campus in 1926, Meredith's library was located on the second floor of Johnson Hall. This original library had the capacity to hold 20,000 volumes, but the needs of the increasing number of staff and students began to surpass the library's capacity. Beginning in 1944, a new library became one of the objectives of fund-raising campaigns, including the “Seven Days of May” campaign when Meredith students raised $2,400 by paying for extra campus privileges and auctioning off the services of the faculty.
Finally, in 1967 ground was broken for the new building between Joyner Hall and Hunter (Miller) Hall. The “semi-contemporary” design of the library was the first distinct break with the traditional architecture on campus, reflecting the library’s ongoing goal to be a “flexible learning resources center” that would keep pace with changing technology and student’s needs.
On Founders’ Day, February 27, 1969, the new building was dedicated and named for the recently retired Meredith College president, Dr. Carlyle Campbell.
In spring 1998, a major renovation to the interior of the building moved media services, reference and circulation closely together on main floor, the creation of group study rooms on the 2nd floor and the installation of data lines. During these updates, staff, offices, circulation and reference moved to first floor Stringfield Residence Hall for the summer.
Since then, Carlyle Campbell Library has continued its educational mission by adapting - undergoing multiple physical and technological updates to serve the needs of Meredith College students.
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As part of the dedication of the new library, former president Campbell Carlyle was presented to his own key to the building named for him.
In 2004, the brick area in front of the library was named the Ruby C. McSwain Courtyard, in honor of the trustee and member of the Campaign Steering Committee.
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Personal computers revolutionized access to information.
The student in the foreground is using a record player, possibly to study a musical performance or composer.
Card catalogs were once a staple in accessing the library's resources.
The layout interior of the library has changed numerous times to adapt to technology, resources and needs of the students.
Architect J. Russell Bailey designed the new library in collaboration with the school's Library Committee. It was felt that this first modern design on campus would not detract from the traditional architecture of the older buildings. Mr. Bailey wrote of his design that it would be "a graceful combination of traditional and contemporary styling."
At the dedication ceremony, Clifford Cameron, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, presented the new library to the college community, saying, “We present unto you this building to be dedicated to the service of Almighty God in the enrichment of the mind. It is the gift of foundations, faculty, students and many friends. I charge you now to make good use of its facilities.”
During the 'Book-In', the Meredith College community hand-carried the books from the shelves of the old library directly to the shelves of the new library. To keep everything straight from origin to destination, librarian Helen Baity assigned each armload of books a number that indicated its new location on the shelves.
Students carrying books line up at the door to the new library.
Led by President Emeritus Dr. Campbell carrying A History of Meredith College, the faculty, staff and students of Meredith College hand-carried books in a "Book Brigade" from Johnson Hall to the Carlyle Campbell Library on February 3, 1969. Classes were called off for the day-long 'Book In' during which participants help transfer 52,000 books. Wanting to keep the effort "in the family," the Meredith College students refused help from those at neighboring North Carolina State University.
Student, carrying armloads of books, leave the old Johnson Hall library for the new building across campus.
The building contract was awarded to a Raleigh business, Clancey and Theys Construction company. Costs for the new library, including furnishings and equipment, was budgeted at one million dollars.
Dr, Campbell participated in the groundbreaking ceremony following his retirement from Meredith College. Dr. Carlyle Campbell was the president of Meredith College from 1939 to 1966. During his tenure, Dr. Campbell was known for his personal manner and remembered for the many talks he gave in the chapel.
During Play Day in 1967, a carnival was set up with various booths, including an opportunity to pelt faculty with water balloons. Students also sold doughnuts, collected S&H Green stamps and and auctioned special privileges.
After plans were put in place for a new library, a student library funds committee went to work with various fundraising efforts. Following an auction of faculty services and stunts, students from Poteat dorm march with President Campbell, dressed as a Meredith angel.
Carlyle Campbell Library
Meredith College
3800 Hillsborough St.
Raleigh, NC 27607
919-760-8532
