A library is the only place where "everyone is welcome, where everyone is equal and where everyone has the same opportunities," author David McCullough told an audience gathered for the dedication of the new Southern Utah University Library on Friday.
McCullough, author of "Truman," stressed the importance of libraries to America and to the world. A library, he said, "is the ultimate room with a view." The door is always open and admission is free, he said.McCullough admired the state-of-the-art library, which will be completely in operation by April 1. He said people seem surprised when they ask him where he gets all the information for his books and he replied, "from the library." He called the library the center of the campus and America's most obvious blessing.
McCullough said he hopes society doesn't get "overly bedazzled by the electronics" available today and the excitement of the information superhighway with all its capabilities. He told the audience to remember that information isn't learning. Learning comes from teachers and books, he said.
Gov. Michael Leavitt talked about the possibilities offered students because of the new building and the technological possibilities of the future in education.
The building was financed by state appropriated funds totaling $10.4 million and by private contributions. It is an 80,000 square-foot building and the dedication ceremonies coincide with the celebration of the 99th anniverary of the founding of SUU.
Dean of Library Services Diana Graff accepted the new library and said the its completion gives the university the up-to-date facility it needs to move into the next century.
Graff says the new building doubles the library space of the university. The university will increase its book capacity to approximately 225,000 volumes. The current library will be officially closed at 5 p.m. March 13, the last day of final examinations.
Earlier in the day the SUU Centurium, a centennial monument, received its first of 12 statues of history's greatest intellects. The first two, installed Friday morning, were Aristotle and Thomas Jefferson.
The dedication ceremonies were conducted by David Jordan, chairman of the SUU Board of Trustees. Gerald R. Sherratt, president of SUU, and Cecelia Foxley, Commissioner of Higher Education, also spoke at the dedication.