The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Abbot Vincent Taylor Library

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Abbot Vincent Taylor Library (distant view), Belmont Abbey College

Abbot Vincent Taylor Library (general view), Belmont Abbey College

Abbot Vincent Taylor Library (front facade), Belmont Abbey College

Institution Name: Belmont Abbey College
Original/Historic Place Name: Abbot Vincent Taylor Library
Location on Campus: next to The Haid
Date(s) of Construction:

1957	original construction McInerney, Michael

Designer: Father Michael McInerney, O.S.B.
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Modern/post-WWII, Other (Glossary)
Significance: architecture, culture, history, religion
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation:

Walls:

Roof:

Function:

1957-present (2006)

library

Narrative:
The Abbot Vincent Taylor Library, built in 1957, is the last building on campus designed by Michael McInerney and shows the influence of modernism on his later work. In order to accommodate future usage, the building was designed to support an additional story if needed, and the interior was designed without supporting walls in order to facilitate future expansion.

The structure was named for the second abbot of Belmont, Vincent Taylor, O.S.B., who was instrumental in building up the scholarship of the faculty and securing the academic prestige of the Abbey. The library is home to more than 150,000 books, periodicals, and microforms. It has exceptional special collections, including rare books, Benedictina, autographed books, and works related to North Carolina. The library also includes works of art, exhibits, and local Benedictine artifacts.

References:

Alexander, Frances P., and Richard L. Mattson. Belmont Abbey Historic District [including Belmont Abbey College]. National Register of Historic Places designation report. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of the Interior/National Park Service, 1993.

Baumstein, Paschal. The Art of Michael McInerney. Booklet. Belmont, NC: The Archives of Belmont Abbey, 1992.

Baumstein, Pascal. My Lord of Belmont: A Biography of Leo Haid. Kings Mountain, NC: Herald House, 1985.

Baumstein, Pascal, and Debra G. Estes. Blessing the Years to Come: Belmont Abbey--A Pictorial Perspective. Belmont, NC: Belmont Abbey College, 1997.

Baumstein, Pascal, Beth Bargar, and Debra G. Estes. A Walking Tour of Historic Belmont Abbey. Booklet. Belmont, NC: Belmont Abbey College, 1997.

Hamilton, Boniface. "Deepening Union: A Benedictine Commitment." Typescript. St. Joseph, MN: American Benedictine Academy, [n.d.].