Bracken Library

Infobox University campus
university = Ball State University
color = #CC2233
name = Bracken Library
picture = BrackenRapierce.jpg
pic_caption =
use = Library
style = Brutalist
erected = 1975
location = South of University Green; center of campus
campus = Main
namesake = Alexander M. Bracken
architect = Walter Scholer & Associates; The Perkins and Will Partnership, Chicago
free_label = Dean
free = Arthur W. Hafner
website = http://www.bsu.edu/library/|http://www.bsu.edu/library/]

The Alexander M. Bracken Library is the main library on the campus of Ball State University. Completed in 1975, the facility is located in the geographic center of campus and is distinguishable for its unique, Brutalist architecture with an exterior resembling a shelf of books.

The facility has a collection of over 1.5 million books, CDs, DVDs, and digital databases, among other collections. The library is one of the largest in the United States by square footage. The square footage is nearly equal to seven football fields. 4,200 students utilize the library's services daily. A recent addition to the library in the spring of 2007, the Bookmark Cafe serves coffee, sandwiches, and pastries.

Lore

*The design of Bracken Library is said to resemble a stack of books.
*"Forest Idyll" is a statue located in the center of the library's foyer and is one of the most common places for meeting on campus. The statue is a nude woman with two deer, and is more commonly known as "The Naked Lady". During the school year, students will leave notes at her base indicating informal meetings throughout the building.

External links

* http://www.bsu.edu/library