Kiehle Library (1952-1971)

Exterior of Kiehle Library, 1952

[Image ID 00350]

Designed by architects Louis Pinault and Virgil Siddens and built by the George Madsen Construction Company, the David L. Kiehle Library opened in the fall of 1952 as the first campus building constructed as a library. Covering more than 55,000 square feet with a 135,000 book capacity, the library cost $775,000 to construct. Kiehle, named in honor of St. Cloud State's second president, was designed to accomodate a population of 2,000 students. In 1952, more than 73,346 books were moved into the library when it first opened. Kiehle remained the library until 1971 when Centennial Hall opened and the campus student population numbered 10,000. In 1974, the building was renamed the Kiehle Visual Arts Center to house the Department of Art.

For more information about Kiehle, visit the individual historic building profiles.

Students study in Kiehle Library, 1952

[Image ID 00337]

Exterior of Kiehle Library on the Mississippi river side, ca. 1952-1960

[image ID 11271]

Listening room in Kiehle Library, 1952

[image ID 00346]