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Contact: Kevin McCarty, KU Libraries, 785-864-6428, [email protected], @KULibraries
KU Libraries announce centennial celebration of Watson Library with fall activities, website
LAWRENCE — A Jayhawk Boulevard landmark and perpetual place of discovery and welcome, Watson Library will celebrate 100 years at the heart of the KU community with a slate of fall activities and programs.
A centennial webpage listing celebration activities and information also features the history of the library and library leadership over the decades. The site’s interactive timeline scrolls through Watson’s significant moments, and a digital, student-designed 3D architectural model illustrates the library’s physical evolution.
Opening its doors in September 1924, Watson Library was named in honor of longtime librarian Carrie Watson. A remarkable figure in the evolution of KU libraries and a witness to the history of the university and the state of Kansas itself, Watson was the first woman for whom a KU academic building was named. She moved to Lawrence in 1858 when she was 6 months old, almost three years before Kansas would become a state. When Watson was 5 years old, she and her family experienced the raiding of Lawrence by William Quantrill’s pro-slavery forces, when much of Lawrence was burned.
Carrie Watson was a member of KU’s fifth graduating class of 10 students and began working for the university library in 1878 when it was a fledgling book collection in one corner of Old Fraser Hall. She later became KU’s first full-time university librarian and served as librarian emerita through 65 years of service.
Throughout Watson Library’s 100-year history, the needs of students and faculty have seen tremendous growth, change and necessary evolution that has not always proved easy or graceful. Many dedicated library leaders and generations of the university community have worked toward expansion and improvements, including five additions between 1938 and 1963, with the most recent renovation completed in 1982.
Today, with Watson Library as its central hub, KU Libraries houses more than 5.8 million items across six locations as the largest library collection in the state of Kansas. For generations of KU students, KU Libraries are a key entry point for the information and resources necessary for academic success. For faculty and staff, the libraries are partners in research and teaching and leaders in scholarly communication.
This fall, the Watson Centennial celebrations extend beyond the university’s flagship library with events and opportunities at other KU Libraries locations, including Kenneth Spencer Research Library and Anschutz Library.
Spencer Research Library will host the exhibit “Watson Library’s First 100 Years: Impacts, Innovations, and Renovations,” throughout the fall semester to showcase Watson-related materials in its exhibit space. Watson Library’s Haricombe Gallery will feature a digital exhibit of a timeline and visual materials, including original hand-drawn blueprints for the building. In addition to these semester-long exhibits, KU Libraries will host a series of events set to engage KU students, staff, faculty, alumni and Lawrence community members.
KU Dean of Libraries Carol Smith encourages all to join in the festivities.
“Watson Library has been a cornerstone of learning, growth and congregation at KU for the past century,” she said. “As we mark this milestone, we are thrilled to invite all to join us in celebrating Watson’s remarkable legacy. This centennial celebration is not only a reflection on our shared past, but also a vibrant gathering of the community to look forward to the next 100 years of discovery and innovation together.”
Unless otherwise noted, events are free and open to all on KU’s Lawrence campus as well as the greater surrounding communities.
Hawk Week Watson Library Open House
Aug. 26 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Watson Library Entrance
Jayhawks can explore library resources, play games and win centennial swag. The library will offer short, guided tours of the building at the top of each hour. The event is geared toward welcoming back students but is open to the community.
Cut a Rug: 1920s Dance Lessons
Aug. 27 | 6-6:45 p.m. | Watson Library 3 West
Step back in time and learn the iconic Charleston, the dance craze of the 1920s. Beginners to experienced dancers welcome. Spots are limited, and you must register in advance.
Watch it in Watson: Centennial Cinema
Aug. 28 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Watson Library 3 West
Watch a screening of “Chicago,” an Academy Award-winning musical comedy set in 1924. Prior to the show, make your own 1920s flapper head piece with help from KU Libraries Makerspace. Enjoy popcorn and refreshments. The event is geared toward welcoming back students, but it is open to the community.
Cut a Rug: 1920s Dance Lessons
Aug. 29 | 6-6:45 p.m. | Watson Library 3 West
Step back in time and learn the foxtrot, a favorite across dance floors of the 1920s. Beginners to seasoned dancers welcome. Spots are limited, and you must register in advance.
Makerspace Open House
Aug. 30 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Anschutz Library 203A-C
Learn about the space and the tools available, including 3D printing and podcasting equipment. Write a message for students 100 years from now or share notes that reflect our current era and your vision for the future. Submissions will be considered for inclusion in the Watson Centennial Time Capsule. The event is geared toward welcoming back students but open to the community.
Cut a Rug: 1920s Dance Lessons
Sept. 10 | 10-10:45 a.m. | Watson Library 3 West
Learn the iconic Charleston, the dance craze of the 1920s. Beginners to experienced dancers welcome. Spots are limited, and you must register in advance.
Cut a Rug: 1920s Dance Lessons
Sept. 12 | 10-10:45 a.m. | Watson Library 3 West
Step back in time and learn the foxtrot, a favorite across dance floors of the 1920s. All skill levels — beginners to seasoned dancers — are welcome. Spots are limited. Please register in advance to attend.
100th Birthday Cake
Sept. 19 | 11 a.m. | Anschutz Library
Stop by Anschutz Library for free birthday cake while it lasts.
Art on the Lawn
Sept. 25 | 4:30-6 p.m. | Watson Library front lawn
Capture the beauty of historic Watson Library through a guided art lesson. All skill levels are welcome to create a finished acrylic painting on canvas through a step-by-step process. Art supplies are provided. Spots are limited. Please register in advance.
Library Employee Reunion
Oct. 15 | 4:30-6 p.m. | Watson Library 3 West
Past and present KU Libraries employees will be invited to reconnect at a happy hour event.
Library on the Lawn
Oct. 23 | 2-5 p.m. | Watson Library front lawn
Enjoy an afternoon of lawn games, food trucks and live music from local bands in collaboration with KJHK. Activities for all ages.
Art on the Lawn
Nov. 6 | 3-4:30 p.m. | Watson Library front lawn
Capture the beauty of Watson Library through a guided art lesson. All skill levels are welcome to create a finished acrylic painting on canvas through a step-by-step process. Art supplies are provided. Spots are limited, and you must register in advance.
Watch it in Watson: Centennial Cinema
Nov. 12 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Watson Library 3 West
Join us for a screening of “The Great Gatsby,” the 2013 film based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel. Enjoy popcorn and refreshments.
Time Capsule Ceremony
Nov. 20 | 3-4 p.m. | Kenneth Spencer Research Library
Celebratory transfer of 2024 time capsule to University Archives, offering future Jayhawks a glimpse into our lives, culture and achievements 100 years from now.
Those outside the Lawrence area can take part in the festivities by sharing memories or stories of Watson Library via an online form.
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Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, director of news and media relations, [email protected]
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