The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Smith Library Center

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Smith Library Center (three-quarter view, from the south), Southwestern University

Smith Library Center (entrance), Southwestern University

Institution Name: Southwestern University
Original/Historic Place Name: Cody Memorial Library
Location on Campus: 1101 E. University
Date(s) of Construction:

1939	original construction

Designer: unknown
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Modern/post-WWII (Glossary)
Significance: architecture, education
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: pier and beam

Walls: wood, plaster, stone

Roof: wood frame, tile

Function:

ca. 1939-present (2006)

library (currently includes archives and John Tower Collection)

Narrative:
A collaborative effort of the University and the Georgetown City Council secured the funds to build the Cody Memorial Library. Congressman Lyndon Johnson helped Southwestern and the City through the maze of federal agencies to secure a grant from the Public Works Administration.

While the library expanded in two later projects, the original Cody Memorial Library, named for Dean C.C. Cody, remains intact and well preserved.

The Cody Memorial Library is the permanent home for Senator John Tower's Collection.

References:

Bigley, John. History of Southwestern University Library. [s.l.: s.n., n.d.].

Jones, Ralph Wood. Southwestern University 1840 - 1961. Austin, TX: Jenkins Publishing Co., 1973.