Leavey Library

Tucked away on the University of Southern California campus is Leavey Library. It’s more than just books. It’s a buzzing hub of activity, a testament to the generosity of Thomas and Dorothy Leavey. The library, completed in the mid-1990s, carries their name, honoring the founder of Farmers Insurance Group and his wife. Leavey Library’s architecture subtly echoes the Romanesque Revival style, a nod to the past amidst its modern functionalities. This wasn’t an accident. The design consciously moved away from the then-popular Brutalist style. The Leavey Library officially opened its doors on August 29, 1994. In its first year alone, over one million people walked through its doors, eager to explore this new model of a library. Leavey Library foresaw the digital age. It was designed with more space for computer labs, classrooms, and study areas than traditional book stacks. This forward-thinking approach made it a model for libraries worldwide. Delegations from other institutions frequently visited, seeking inspiration from its innovative design and technology integration. Even today, thirty years later, Leavey Library continues to evolve. The Ahmanson Lab, opened in 2017, allows students to experiment with 3D modeling, 3D printing, and other cutting-edge technologies. The library also houses the USC Shoah Foundation, a vast digital archive of testimonies from survivors of genocide. It’s a sobering reminder of the importance of preserving history, nestled within a hub of learning and innovation. Leavey Library is also a place of community. The “Study On!” program offers stress-reduction activities during finals week, and the library hosts various cultural events throughout the year. And for those burning the midnight oil, Leavey Library has become known as “Club Leavey,” offering a vibrant late-night study scene. While technology is central to Leavey Library’s identity, it hasn’t forgotten the importance of books. The core collection provides foundational texts across various disciplines, while the McNaughton Collection offers a rotating selection of popular reads. So, next time you’re at USC, take a moment to explore Leavey Library. It’s a place where history meets innovation, technology meets community, and books meet the future.