Susan Colgate Cleveland Library/Learning Center
Though the Susan Colgate Cleveland Library/Learning Center sits on the edge of the Colby-Sawyer campus, it is the academic heart of the college for students, faculty and staff. Students gather in the library to study, research, work on group projects and, sometimes, to find a cozy corner to curl up and get away from it all. Exposed beams and natural sunlight fill the building with warmth and comfort. It’s surrounded by beautiful mountain views, making it the perfect spot for peaceful research and studying.
A Building Rich with History
Named for Susan Colgate Cleveland, a longtime trustee and granddaughter of the college’s first teacher, our library brings history to life with its rustic design. In 1985, architects and builders transformed two pre-Civil War dairy barns into a modern, 20,000-square-foot library, temporarily raising the 130-year-old structures (a 60-ft. barn and a 70-ft. barn) to facilitate construction of new foundations. The original interior’s hand-hewn timber frames and the exterior's traditional New England barn façade were retained. The homestead's silo was converted into a library entrance and quickly became a favorite spot for students to look up and take photos.
The Susan Colgate Cleveland Library/Learning Center has been acclaimed in The Smithsonian and Historic Preservation magazines, as well as by the Fleming Museum.
Five Levels to Explore
The five-level structure houses the library and Archives, as well as the offices of the Student Learning Collaborative and Access Resources.
The library provides print and electronic resources, including full-text databases, books, periodicals and audio/visual resources, with a combined total of 594,427 print and ebooks available to students. Study spaces are as varied as students themselves, with options including open tables, study carrels, couches, beanbags, private study rooms, study lofts and group meeting spaces. With its spectacular view of the surrounding mountains, the library is a perfect place for quiet contemplation, reading and research.
Resources to Meet Every Need
Your Next Great Idea Starts Here
Come find your favorite corner, book a study room or start a research project. The Susan Colgate Cleveland Library/Learning Center is ready when you are.
Access the Catalog, Resources & Services
Have a question? Our librarians are here to help, in person or virtually.