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Herman B Wells Library
Contents
Overview
The Wells Library is the centerpiece building of the Indiana University library system. It is located on the corner of 10th Street and Jordan Avenue, just to the east of the Arboretum. It was opened in 1969.
The building consists of two towers, connected by a lobby. The west tower is five stories tall; the east tower is ten stories tall. Combined, they hold over 4.6 million volumes. The building also includes library administration offices, study commons areas, UITS computer labs, and a cafe.
Renaming
Formerly the Main Library, the building was named the Herman B Wells Library in a ceremony on June 17, 2005 in honor of the three time president and chancellor of Indiana University, Herman B Wells.
Sinking
There is a persistent urban legend that says the library was not designed with the weight of books in mind, and has been sinking inches every year. Aside from the fact that it would be completely underground at this point, the library is built on a 94-foot layer of limestone.
