A local campus landmark, the Bizzell Memorial Library has been serving students for more than 90 years. Examine its unusual brick façade and watch as studious university-goers enter and exit through the front door.
The library was constructed in 1929. It takes its name from William Bennett Bizzell, who served as the president of the University of Oklahoma from 1926 to 1941.
Search for the library building, which is instantly recognizable because of its striking redbrick façade. The structure was designed in the Collegiate Gothic style, which was very popular on U.S. and Canadian campuses during the early 20th century. The library and other buildings designed in this style emulate older English Gothic and Tudor constructions.
Read about the history of the library, a designated national historic landmark. The library was associated with the 1950 U.S. Supreme Court case of McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents, which ruled that McLaurin, a black student at the university, could not be treated differently than other students because of his race. Prior to this ruling, McLaurin had been forced to sit in a separate area of the library and had been separated from the main body of white students in other parts of the campus, such as the cafeteria and classrooms.
Inside the library is the gorgeous Helmerich Great Reading Room. This magnificent and much-loved study space is lined by beautifully carved bookcases, with additional carvings visible on the ceiling overhead. This part of the library is reserved for students only and cannot be accessed without a student card. Admire the structure from the outside.
Though few visitors know about it, the library also has a prized Bible collection. Amassed by William Bizzell himself, the collection includes several rare and very valuable editions of the holy Christian text. Ask a librarian for more information.
Find the Bizzell Memorial Library on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman, about a 30-minute drive south of Downtown Oklahoma City. Library hours vary depending on the time of the year.
