Giddens/ Alumni Learning Center

Why are those majestic arches at the entrance to the Giddens/ Alumni Learning Center so familiar? That’s because they once graced the former Carnegie Library, a historical landmark that has been woven into the fabric of this building. The Giddens/ Alumni Learning Center at Hamline University is a hub of academic life, buzzing with students from various departments. While it’s a modern building dating back to 1972, it holds within its walls the heart of the original Hamline University Library, built in 1907. Imagine the countless hours students have spent amidst these walls, first in the hushed reverence of the library and now in the lively atmosphere of the learning center. The architects, Hammel, Green, and Abrahamson, had a vision, you see. They wanted to create a space that respected the past while embracing the future. The result is a harmonious blend of old and new, where the grandeur of the original library’s entrance with its rounded columns and fanlights seamlessly flows into the modern design. The Giddens/ Alumni Learning Center isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of learning, a place where history whispers through the arches, and the pursuit of knowledge continues to inspire.