Picture the J. Paul Leonard Library. A San Francisco State University landmark. This isn’t just any library. It’s a powerhouse of knowledge. A vital part of the SFSU campus. More than just books and computers. It holds the prestigious Sutro Library. A world-class archive of rare books. Original documents and artifacts donated by Adolph Sutro. A former San Francisco mayor and mining magnate.
The J. Paul Leonard Library wasn’t always this grand. It was built in phases. 1953 1959 and 1971. Over thirty years ago SFSU’s enrollment exploded. The library couldn’t keep up. It only had 68 percent of the needed space. A complete renovation was necessary. Seismic strengthening too. The result is a stunning facility. A signature landmark of the campus.
The renovation was extensive. The exterior was updated. New concrete and glass were added. This maintained the campus architecture. The interior was transformed. Outdated electrical and telecommunications systems were updated. An automated library retrieval system was installed. This freed up space. Study and computing areas were created. Importantly the Sutro Library moved. Its new home is on the fifth and sixth floors. The expansion added space. Seating capacity increased. Group study areas were included. The collection capacity grew. More computers became available. The new library offers a flexible environment. A congenial and powerful learning environment.
But the J Paul Leonard Library is more than bricks and mortar. It’s named after J Paul Leonard. He was San Francisco State University’s fifth president. He served from 1945 to 1957. During his tenure the school transformed. It grew from an 800-student teachers’ college. It became a 12000-student general university. He spearheaded the move from the Lower Haight. The move to the current 94-acre site near Lake Merced. He also reorganized academics. He combined related departments into seven divisions. Master’s degrees were introduced. His legacy lives on in this impressive building. A testament to his vision and dedication. This is the J. Paul Leonard Library. A place of learning and discovery. A powerful symbol of academic achievement.