Beeghly Library celebrates

Beeghly Library’s 40th birthday was celebrated in style Wednesday with cake and punch, music, light-hearted conversation and reflections about its “life.”

When it was built in the 1960s, Beeghly was a state-of-the-art facility that utilized all of the highest quality materials and the idea of a circular design borrowed from Thomas Jefferson’s library at the University of Virginia. The domed roof symbolized hope and power, according to Dr. Kenneth Davison, professor emeritus of history who was a member of the original Library Planning Committee.

The celebration was about much more than a birthday, said President Dottavio. Rather, it was a celebration of all the people who had worked hard to bring the library to life 40 years ago, and those who have followed them who continue to make it a key facility for learning and research.

A $500,000 donation from Leon Beeghly was instrumental in funding construction of the building, said Ed Krakora, director of library services. At the time, Beeghly’s gift was the largest in Heidelberg’s history. Sadly, Beeghly died two months before construction was complete; the library was dedicated in his honor on Oct. 20, 1967.

Posted 10-25-2007