Carl A. Rudisill Library

A Timeline of the Rudisill Library Building

Jan. 10, 1927 - The Hickory Daily Record calls on the public to donate books to replenish the college's library. This community effort meets with a great response, collecting 8,715 books and $900 in cash. Ultimately more than 9,000 volumes are received.

March 1, 1943 - The Carl Augustus Rudisill Library opens, the result of a gift of $50,000 from the Cherryville textile executive and L-R alumnus (Class of 1905).

1967 - The Carl Augustus Rudisill Library is enlarged and remodeled.

1983 - A learning resource center is added containing a TV studio, graphics laboratory, dark rooms, three academic computer centers, curriculum laboratory, media classrooms, writing center and an audiovisual center. These additions are erected with money given by Mr. and Mrs. Carl A. Rudisill, of Cherryville, NC, and their children, Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Borland and Mr. and Mrs. Ben Richard Rudisill.

January, 2010 -  Creation of the Lohr Learning Commons on the second floor of the library is completed. This complex of spaces brings together in one location a variety of student learning support and enrichment activities.

June 2023 - BEAR Central was established on the second floor of the library and encompasses student success services, academic advising, academic support for both undergraduate and graduate students, and first-generation campus initiatives. 

January 2025 - The Lineberger Memorial Collection was relocated from the Columbia, SC campus to the Carl A. Rudisill Library. This collection supports LTSS and other theological programs. 

Please visit a digital copy of Fair Star: A Centennial History of Lenoir-Rhyne College by Jeff L. Norris and Ellis G. Boatmon