Haven’t you wondered why this building is called Mugar Memorial Library? This isn’t just a repository of books. It’s a story etched in brick and mortar. Mugar Memorial Library stands as Boston University’s central hub for humanities and social sciences. Since its doors opened in 1966, it has fueled countless research papers and sparked intellectual curiosity.
But there’s a deeper tale behind the name Mugar. Stephen P. Mugar, an Armenian immigrant, gifted this library to Boston University. He wanted to honor his parents, Sarkis and Vosgitel Mugar. Stephen’s journey began far from Boston. He was born in Kharpert, a town in the Ottoman Empire, now Turkey. In 1906, he and his family sought refuge in America.
Stephen’s father, Sarkis, bought a small grocery store in Watertown in 1916. He named it Star Market. After his father’s death in an automobile accident, Stephen took over the family business. He expanded it into a successful chain. With his wealth, Stephen never forgot the opportunities America offered him.
He believed education was the key to unlocking potential. So, he donated a significant sum to build this library. At the entrance of Mugar Memorial Library, you will find an inscription. It speaks volumes about Stephen’s gratitude and his parents’ legacy. It reads that his parents opened the door of Freedom to him by coming to America from Armenia. He further wrote that America’s public schools and libraries opened his eyes to the unlimited opportunity in this great land, as well as the privileges and obligations of citizenship. He ends with his wish that the library serve over the years as a similar inspiration to all who use it. It is truly a beautiful memory of his father and mother Sarkis and Vosgitel Mugar by their grateful son Stephen P. Mugar.
Mugar Memorial Library is more than just books. It’s a vibrant center of activity. Inside Mugar Memorial Library, you will find many things. There is an Information Services and Technology Help Desk and printing, scanning, and copying services. It also houses many special collections.
The African Studies Library resides on the sixth floor. The Music Library is on the second floor. It includes books, scores, periodicals, and recordings. The Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center is located on the fifth floor. It holds rare books and manuscripts. Here, you can find documents dating back to the sixteenth century. You can also see artifacts from Martin Luther King Jr. and Robin Williams.
Mugar Memorial Library also provides access to many academic databases, eJournals, and eBooks. These resources support the research needs of the Boston University community. It’s a place where students can explore different subjects. They include classics, history, linguistics, politics, geography, sports, philosophy, religion, education, and law.
Mugar Memorial Library stands as a testament to the power of education. It also honors the Mugar family’s journey and their commitment to giving back. So, as you step inside Mugar Memorial Library, remember the story behind the name. It’s a story of immigration, opportunity, and the transformative power of knowledge.