Parks Library At 100: 7 Surprising Facts About Iowa State’s Architectural And Academic Heart

Parks Library at Iowa State University is gearing up for a major milestone: its 100th anniversary in 2025, marking a century of being the academic and architectural heart of the campus. As of late 2025, the library is not just a repository for books but a dynamic hub undergoing continuous evolution, offering modern services like 24/7 access during crunch times and new student-focused study spaces. This deep dive uncovers the most current updates, fascinating architectural history, and essential services that define the Parks Library experience for the current generation of Cyclones. The library, officially known as the William Robert Parks and Ellen Sorge Parks Library, is a cornerstone of the Ames campus, continually balancing its historic grandeur with cutting-edge academic support. From recent remodeling projects focused on collaborative learning to its priceless Special Collections, the building’s history and ongoing innovations make it one of the most vital—and often surprising—structures at Iowa State University.

The Parks Library Centennial: Art, Architecture, and Innovation (2025)

The year 2025 is a landmark for the Iowa State University Library, as it officially celebrates 100 years since its original construction began in 1923. This centennial celebration is themed around "Art, Architecture, and Innovation," highlighting the building’s enduring legacy and its continuous adaptation to the needs of a modern university. The original structure, which was described by expert architects as potentially "the finest piece of architecture in the state" at the time, has been a central figure in ISU’s history. The building’s cornerstone, made of Bedford limestone, is etched with the year "1923," marking the start of its long and rich history.

A Legacy of Namesake and Design

The library’s current name honors W. Robert Parks, ISU’s 11th president (1965–1986), and his wife, Ellen Sorge Parks. The dedication occurred in 1984 following a period of dramatic expansion and service growth under President Parks’s tenure. The initial architectural design was handled by the firm Proudfoot, Bird and Rawson, and while the library has seen numerous additions and renovations over the decades, the distinct changes in architectural styles are visible throughout the structure. The ongoing commitment to modernization ensures the library remains a comfortable and functional space for the entire campus community.

7 Essential and Surprising Facts About Parks Library Today

The Parks Library is more than just a place to check out books; it’s a living, breathing part of the Iowa State experience. Here are seven key facts and current updates that every student, faculty member, and visitor should know about the library in late 2025.

1. 24/7 Access During Finals Week

For students preparing for exams, the library becomes an academic lifeline. The Parks Library is typically open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, during Finals Week, such as the period from December 15-18, 2025. This extended schedule is a crucial service supporting student wellness and academic success at the end of the semester. The Main Desk and Tech Lending Desk also operate with extended hours during these periods.

2. Current Remodeling Focuses on Student Comfort

The library is continually being updated to provide better student-oriented spaces. Recent and current projects, including remodeling in rooms like 298, 294, and 292, aim to create comfortable areas for studying, gathering, and interacting. The design changes often include reservable, glass-fronted Group Study Rooms, which are highly sought-after for collaborative projects.

3. Home to Priceless Special Collections

The Special Collections and University Archives are located on the 4th floor of Parks Library (Room 403). This area houses the University Library's most valuable materials, including rare books, historical manuscripts, photographs, audio recordings, film, and artifacts. It is a treasure trove for deep research into ISU’s history and beyond.

4. New Exhibits Highlight Historical Art and Archives

As part of the centennial celebration, the library continues to host new and engaging exhibits. For example, the exhibit "Artists and Archives: Creating Contemporary Art from History" is scheduled for October 2025. These exhibits are often found on the first floor near the Fireplace Reading Room and the Main Desk.

5. The Tech Lending Desk Offers More Than Books

The Tech Lending Desk provides a vital service by offering a variety of technology for students to check out, including laptops, cameras, and other equipment necessary for modern academic work. This service underscores the library’s role as a cutting-edge resource center, not just a book storage facility.

6. The ISU Digital Press is a Growing Entity

The library supports open-access scholarship through the ISU Digital Press. This service was recently highlighted for announcing new featured publications, showcasing the library’s commitment to modern digital publishing and accessibility in research.

7. Community Outreach Strengthens Local Education

The Parks Library extends its reach beyond the ISU campus through community partnerships. In the 2024-2025 school year, the University Library partnered with Iowa grade schools to strengthen research skills among younger students. This initiative saw dozens of students visit the library, with several going on to compete and win at the state level in research competitions.

Topical Authority and Key Parks Library Entities

The Parks Library complex is a dense ecosystem of services and historical elements. Understanding these key entities provides a fuller picture of its importance to the Iowa State University community: * William Robert Parks and Ellen Sorge Parks: The library's namesakes. * Proudfoot, Bird and Rawson: The original architectural firm. * Bedford Limestone: Material used for the 1923 cornerstone. * Special Collections and University Archives: Repository for rare materials (4th Floor). * Fireplace Reading Room: A popular and historic study spot on the first floor. * Tech Lending Desk: Provides technology rentals. * ISU Digital Press: Supports open-access publishing. * CMBA Architects: Involved in recent student-oriented renovations. * Group Study Rooms: Reservable, glass-fronted collaborative spaces. * Main Desk: Central information and checkout point. * Finals Week: Period of 24/7 library access. * Iowa Grade-School Research Partnership: 2024-2025 community outreach program. * Murals in Parks Library: Significant public works of art within the building. * Digital Access and Accessibility: A key focus of current library services. * Vet Med Library: Another branch of the ISU University Library system. * Story County, US: The county where ISU and Ames are located. Parks Library remains a vibrant and evolving institution. The upcoming 100th anniversary in 2025 serves as a perfect moment to reflect on its rich history while celebrating its current role as a modern, student-focused academic hub. Whether you are seeking a quiet 24/7 study spot, researching a rare manuscript, or simply admiring its historical architecture, Parks Library is undeniably the intellectual and architectural anchor of the Iowa State campus.

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