Monmouth College's Hewes Library Celebrated 55th Anniversary
By: Forgottonia Times™ Report
On a chilly January day in 1970, the "human conveyor belt" of books makes its way from Monmouth College's old Carnegie Library to the recently built Hewes Library. Photos courtesy of Barry McNamara of Monmouth College.
On January 21, 1970, Monmouth College experienced a remarkable day in its history as faculty, staff, and students united to move 130,000 books from Carnegie Library (now Poling Hall) to the newly built Hewes Library, 400 yards away. Classes were canceled, and approximately 800 people formed a "human conveyor belt," making 10,000 trips in frigid temperatures never rising above zero. The event was impressively orderly, thanks to head librarian Harris Hauge's color-coded system, ensuring books reached their designated areas. English professor Jeremy McNamara and history professor William Urban both recalled it as one of the college's greatest moments of unity.
Hewes Library owes its name to a significant donation from Chester and Mabel Hewes. Mabel's brother, Thomas Lyle Williams, founded Maybelline in Chicago in the 1910s after observing his sister use Vaseline and ash to darken her eyelashes. The couple's son, Thomas, died unexpectedly in 1963, and in 1969, they donated $1 million to Monmouth College in his memory. That same year, they sold Maybelline for $132 million. Their daughter, Teresa Hewes, graduated from Monmouth in 1973, and her brother Tom's three children later attended the college as well.
Most of the campus community pitched into the all-day effort, including the college's president at the time, Duncan Wimpress.
Hewes Library has continued to evolve, undergoing a $4 million renovation in 2001, which introduced air conditioning, natural light, and modern amenities. It now houses The Center for Academic and Career Excellence, as well as an art collection, a gallery, and a black box theatre. Additionally, Einstein Bros. Bagels has become a popular campus destination. Despite these changes, its core mission of supporting students remains steadfast. McNamara, who retired in 1995, still finds comfort in its welcoming environment, emphasizing the helpfulness of the staff and his lifelong love of books.
If such a book-moving event were attempted today, it would require significantly more effort due to the library's expanded collection, even with the rise of digital resources. Library Director Sarah Henderson acknowledges the dedication of those who participated in the 1970 move, crediting them with the library's strong foundation. The story of Hewes Library is a testament to the community, generosity, and shared commitment to education that continue to define Monmouth College.
Mabel Williams Hewes, the face that launched Maybelline. Years later, a gift from her and her husband helped launch Monmouth College's Hewes Library.