Origins & Naming
Opening: Nash Library opened in May 1950 at a cost of approximately $500,000 and was formally dedicated on April 22, 1951. The initial collection held 39,000 volumes.
Institutional name: At the time, USAO was known as the Oklahoma College for Women (OCW). Before the new building, the library was located on the third floor of the Administration Building (now Troutt Hall).
Name designation: In April 1957, President Dan Procter recommended naming the library for Dr. Mell Achilles Nash, OCW’s fifth president. The Board of Regents approved the recommendation, and the official name became Nash Library.
Architecture & Features
Exterior: A west-facing, three-story rectangular structure of buff brick with a front terrace supported by four large columns.
Signature window & inscription: A large picture window rises above the entry doors to the third floor, topped with Joseph Addison’s line: “Books are the legacies that a great genius leaves to mankind.”
Accessibility update: Originally, the west entrance opened onto an outdoor stage with steps used for campus events, including commencements. During a 1993–1994 renovation, the stage was removed and ramps were added to meet ADA requirements.
Continuity: The exterior has remained largely unchanged for more than 70 years.
Renovations & Additions
2006 (McCasland Foundation grant): Funded new tables and chairs, replacing the original 1950 light-birch and claret-leather furnishings.
2008 (Public art): Installation of “Flight,” a bronze sculpture by Archie Held, inspired by the scissor-tailed flycatcher and symbolizing the expansive opportunities of a liberal arts education.
Recent enhancements: Addition of the 24/7 Computer Lab, Commuter Lounge, and Digital Scholarship Lab.
Researching Our History (Archives)
Further historical materials are available in the Archives:
O.C.W. Trend (May 10, 1950): Front-page coverage of the library’s opening (available online).
The Pioneer (Library Bureau, vol. 14, no. 3): Cover feature and photographs of the new library.
Jimmie Lee Welch: Detailed account of the OCW library through 1966, including staff, policies, equipment, holdings, and selected images.
Mitzi Kay Cook: In-depth report on the 1993–1994 renovation, with photographs (call number: LD 4292 .U4792N 1996).
For access to these materials, please contact the Nash Library Archives.