Can you find the library in this picture?
I was going to write about something entirely different today. But last night about 6 pm, I got a call from a young guy at University of Massachusetts, asking me for an alumni donation to the Library Fund. We talked about what he was studying (bio and psych) and his plans for the future (stay in school if possible) and why he liked the library (same reason I had: for total escape.) So I donated my $100 for today to the W.E.B. Du Bois Library. And that set me off on a nostalgia trip that I’m sorry to say I’m going to drag you through.
Ye olde UMass pond
I went to UMass from 1971-1974 (I graduated in 3 ½ years – one of the stupidest decisions of my life since I practically killed myself to get out early, only to launch myself into a career as a daytime cocktail waitress in Colorado). I loved pretty much every minute of my time at UMass, and I adored the library.
Yeah, it's that tall.
It was really controversial, brand new, the tallest library in the U.S. at 26 floors and 297 feet, and kind of an aberration as it sits right in the middle of campus and towers over everything. And it’s not particularly pretty. But…once you’re inside, you can go to the upper floors, wedge yourself into one of the nooks that look out over the whole Pioneer Valley and gorgeous Berkshires, and that is absolute heaven. I wrote all my papers there (it’s totally wireless now, but this was way before computers, kids) and felt like I was floating above the world.
The amazing view from the top.
The man - W.E.B Du Bois
In 1994, UMass named the library after W.E.B. Du Bois and that made me even prouder of my alma mater. Du Bois was one of the most influential African Americans in U.S. history, born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts and raised as the precocious, intellectual, mixed- race son of a struggling single mother. He was the first African American to graduate from Harvard with a Ph.D in History and Economics, and went on to become a civil rights activist, Pan Africanist, sociologist, historian, head of the NAACP, teacher, editor and author. In his lifetime of turbulent, brilliant intellectual pursuit, he produced more than 4,000 articles, essays, books, novels, and academic journals – and UMass is the fortunate recipient of his papers. What a perfect scholar to name a library after!
Standing tall.
Tonight is the Eighth Annual Dinner with Friends of the Library in Amherst, so I’m naming myself an honorary Friend and celebrating my long-time affection for the big guy. Sure, it dropped a few bricks on people’s heads back in the day (weird construction error) but that’s long forgotten. Now the Library’s all fancied up with a new Learning Commons area of 30,000 square feet, seating for 436, and 25 group study rooms.
UMass dreaming
But if I were there, I’d still head straight up to the 22nd floor, wedge myself into a window, and think big Berkshire thoughts. Like this one:
“A University is a human invention for the transmission of knowledge and culture from generation to generation, through the training of quick minds and pure hearts, and for this work no other human invention will suffice…” ~W.E. B. Du Bois, 1903
What Gives 
I’m studying at University of Texas and I wish to show my appreciation for your help toward people who need help with this particular subject. You have put in an enormous level of dedication into these solutions, and it has made it possible for individuals in our field to reap great benefits. Please know that this work means a lot to all of us.
As a fellow alum and current Development professional, I’d like to say thank you for support. I find your blog inspiring. I’ve forward it along to some of my other UMass friends who are a little more reluctant to give in hopes that it will inspire them too. Thanks again!
Libraries are places of refuge and of nurturing of the essential soul and potential of the human being. When I felt lost and alone as a boy the library was a place of direction and an accepting companionship, the library was actually a friend. What a wonder with all the new ideas, places and people you could explore. In the free library of my youth there was no pressure, no judgments, no determination that you were good enough, smart enough or wealthy enough, you were accepted as you were. My love for the library continued throughout my life. People forget this great civilizing influence in society. It is in may ways the essence of a democratic society. Today what has developed is that humanity now has the Internet a library universal. All hail the Library!
and like so many other great libraries, I heard it’s sinking due to architects not taking into account the weight of the books! 🙂
As a fellow umass (grad school) alum, I have to agree, this library is dizzyingly amazing to be in.
Come back and visit it (and us) soon!
KK — I never heard that about the library sinking, but having moved MANY times, I am certainly cognizant of the weight of books! love thinking that we’re fellow alums, honey pie!
Structural engineers work as consultants to architects. It is most likely that it is at their fault the calculations weren’t made, as architects do not typically calculate building loads themselves.
If you’d like to blame the building for inefficient design or unpleasant aesthetics, feel free to blame the architecture.
Awesome Betty! I can actually envision you on the 22nd floor looking out and pondering your next adventure! Along with someday getting to Atlanta, I want to see this beautiful library as well! Thank you so much for sharing and for inspiring us!