There is some indication that a small library was in existence prior to 1898, but the record is not available. As the collection of books grew, larger quarters were needed and the library was moved into a renovated building. It was then renamed Bowen Library. In 1960, an addition was built to the library. The building has a seating capacity of 300.
Further expansion is proposed for the future.
The Black Collection. The Wilbur R. Gregg Black Collection contains books by and about Afro-Americans. An outstanding part of this resource is a microfilm collection of Afro-American material from the famed Schomburg Collection. A microfilm reader-printer is available to provide copies. These valuable gifts were given to the Library by the 3-M Company and the Hill Family Foundation.