A Swem Library timeline
Library established in Wren Building with books donated by Francis Nicholson, an original trustee of the College
1705
Library destroyed by fire; only one book saved
1716
Wren Building rebuilt with funds from Queen Anne; local citizens asked to donate books to library
1761
College appoints first official librarian
1781
Library plundered during Siege of Yorktown in Revolutionary War
1793
Library collection grows to 4,000 books, making it the second largest college library in the U.S.
1859
Library destroyed by fire
1861
College closed due to Civil War; Wren Building used as a hospital
1862
Library destroyed by fire
1865
College reopens
1905
Andrew Carnegie pledges $20,000 for construction of new library
1909
New library building, called The Library, opens
1923
Addition doubles size of library
1930
3-story addition completed with marble staircase
1941
Men’s and women’s lounges opened in basement of library
1943
Airplane spotting station moved to library tower during WWII
1964
Construction begins on Earl Gregg Swem Library, named after college librarian (1920-1944)
1966
Swem Library opens
1966
Old library building renovated for new tenant, The Law School
1968
Old library building renamed Marshall-Wythe Hall
1980
Law School moves out of Marshall-Wythe Hall; English department moves in; building renamed Tucker Hall
1986
Addition to front of Swem Library completed
2005
Swem Library addition of two three-story pavilions completed
2015
Ground floor renovation completed; renovated Reeder Media Center opens
2016
Swem Library celebrates its 50th anniversary
