The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Murrell Memorial Library

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Murrell Memorial Library, Missouri Valley College

Institution Name: Missouri Valley College
Original/Historic Place Name: Murrell Memorial Library
Location on Campus: 500 E. College St.
Date(s) of Construction and Designer(s):

1927-1928	original construction Unknown
ca. 2004	interior renovation Unknown

Type of Place: Individual building
Style(s): (Glossary)
Materials:

Foundation: concrete

Walls: brick

Roof: tile

Function:

1928-present (2007)

library (now includes study facilities, computer lab, and coffee bar)

Significance: architecture, education
Landmark designation:

none

Narrative: see below
References: see below

Narrative:
The library collection at Missouri Valley College has had three homes over the past 114 years, and Murrell Memorial Library is by far the grandest. Until the generous donation of our current library by Mr. George A. Murrell in 1927, the top floor of Main Building (now Baity Hall) and part of Stewart Chapel (burned to the ground by an arsonist in the early 1970s) were used as library space. The Murrell Memorial Library was completed in 1928. While always a lovely building, over the past couple of years the interior of Murrell Memorial Library has undergone a face-lift. What a difference a little paint and new carpet or floor tile can make! Richly decorated in ivory and plum, the interior now matches the exterior's splendor.

The library building is an integral part of every college campus. It not only supplies students with research materials, but also offers a quiet study environment--a valuable commodity on most college campuses. For many years, Murrell Memorial Library served not only the students of Missouri Valley College, but the population of Marshall, MO, as well. Until the early 1990s, Marshall had no public library. Therefore, the Murrell Memorial Library has had a vast impact on both the college and surrounding community.

References:

I. Bibliographic sources:

None specified.

II. Location of other data:

University: Library, Special Collections

SHPO