Hayden Library

Hayden Library is the largest and central library facility of Arizona State University, located on the Tempe campus. Opened in 1966, it was named in honor of Carl Trumbull Hayden, a longtime U.S. Senator from Arizona. The library serves as a primary academic and research hub for the university community, housing millions of volumes and providing extensive digital resources. Its distinctive modernist architecture and central location have made it an iconic landmark within the university landscape.

History

The library's construction was part of a significant post-war expansion of Arizona State University, then known as Arizona State College. It was dedicated in 1966, a year after the death of its namesake, Carl Trumbull Hayden, whose political career significantly influenced federal projects in the American Southwest, including the Central Arizona Project. Initially designed to consolidate several departmental libraries, it quickly became the cornerstone of the university's academic infrastructure. Over the decades, it has witnessed the institution's transformation into a major Research I university under the leadership of presidents like Grady Gammage and Lattie Coor.

Architecture

Designed by the architectural firm Edward L. Varney Associates, the original structure is a prominent example of Mid-Century Modern design, characterized by its clean lines, extensive use of concrete, and functional layout. A defining feature is its five-story atrium, which floods the interior with natural light and creates a dramatic central space. The exterior is marked by rhythmic concrete fins and large expanses of glass, a style reflective of the period's optimism and innovation in American architecture. The building's form and materials were chosen to withstand the intense Sonoran Desert climate while providing an inspiring environment for study.

Collections and services

The library system, of which this facility is the flagship, holds several million volumes, with particular strengths in areas supporting the university's academic programs. Notable collections include the Labriola National American Indian Data Center, one of the country's premier repositories for materials related to Indigenous peoples, and the extensive Chicano Research Collection. It provides access to vast digital databases, government documents from entities like the United States Congress, and special collections on topics such as the history of Arizona and the Borderlands. Services include research support from subject librarians, technology lending, and collaborative learning spaces managed by ASU Library administration.

Renovations and expansions

A major renovation and expansion project was completed in 2019, led by the architecture firm Ayers Saint Gross in collaboration with AECOM. This transformative update, part of the larger ASU campus redevelopment, added approximately 50,000 square feet, modernized infrastructure, and introduced flexible, technology-rich learning environments named the "Charles J. Robson Desert Wing." The project carefully preserved the building's original architectural character while introducing contemporary elements like a new entrance plaza, expanded seating, and a state-of-the-art makerspace. This overhaul was designed to meet evolving pedagogical needs in the digital age, supporting initiatives from the Arizona Board of Regents.

In popular culture

The library's striking architecture has made it a recognizable filming location for various media productions. It has been featured in several episodes of the long-running television series Unsolved Mysteries, often standing in for other institutional buildings. The austere, geometric facade and spacious interiors have also provided a backdrop for scenes in independent films and student projects from the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. Its iconic status within the Phoenix metropolitan area ensures it remains a visual symbol of the university in promotional materials and alumni memories.

Category:Arizona State University Category:Libraries in Arizona Category:Buildings and structures in Tempe, Arizona Category:Academic libraries in the United States