Construction to the second major addition of what was then known as University Library would be completed in 1979. The building’s name was changed to Sterling C. Evans Library to honor Evans ’21, a renowned university regent and philanthropist.
Texas A&M University Libraries comprise five unique libraries that seek to advance student success, be a partner in innovative research and provide a physical and digital home to all students, faculty, researchers and staff.
Today, the Libraries are still centered on a foundation established nearly 145 years ago.
Texas A&M University Libraries Timeline
1879 — A library was established in the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas' (now Texas A&M University) Main Building after the college opened in 1876.
1907 — The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas Library was designated as one of 43 federal depository libraries.
1912 — A fire destroyed the campus' Main Building and the library collection it housed. Following the fire, as new materials were donated and purchased, library collections were distributed to other classroom buildings, including the Academic Building.
1924 — E.B. Cushing '80, a major figure in the Texas A&M's early history, died. Following his death, Cushing's private library was given to the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas.
1930 — Cushing Library opened, becoming the first freestanding library on campus.
1949 — A veterinary medicine library opened as a branch library. The facility eventually became known as the Medical Sciences Library.
1950 — The University Archives was established.
1968 — A major addition to the main library was completed, and its name changed to the University Library. The same year, a special collections unit was created, and the Texas Engineers Library merged with the University Library.
1976 — The University Library's 1 millionth volume was acquired -- Prose and Poetry of the Live Stock Industry of the United States with Outlines and the Origin and Ancient History of our Live Stock Animal.
1979 — The University Library's second major addition was completed and its name changed to Sterling C. Evans Library. The name honors Evans '21, a renowned university regent and philanthropist.
1994 — The West Campus Library opened, and the Cushing Library was closed for renovation.
1996 — Construction began on what is now called the Sterling C Evans Library Annex.
1998 — The Policy Sciences and Economics Library opened. The same year, Cushing Library was rededicated and opened as Cushing Memorial Library & Archives, the new home of the University Archives and Special Collections.
2002 — The Libraries expanded its website to provide access to more than 20,000 electronic journals, books, databases and other internet information sources.
2004 — The 3 millionth volume was acquired -- Leaves of Grass.
2008 — The 4 millionth volume was acquired -- Don Quixote de la Mancha, part I and II.
2015 — The 5 millionth volume was acquired -- a first edition of The Hobbit.
2019 — The West Campus Library was renamed the Business Library and Collaboration Commons.
2022 — The 6 millionth volume was acquired -- Extracts from the Votes and Proceedings of the American Continental Congress.
Texas A&M University Libraries
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About Texas A&M University Libraries
Comprising five unique libraries, the Texas A&M University Libraries are a hub of resources, spaces and professionals supporting the success of research, learning and teaching. The Libraries’ advance student success and partner in innovative research, while providing a physical and digital home to all students, staff, faculty and researchers. To learn more visit library.tamu.edu
