EMU Halle Library

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The Bruce T. Halle Library often simply referred to as Halle Library, is the sole library on the Eastern Michigan University campus. It includes computer labs, study spaces, the Holman Learning Center (which provides free tutoring), a distance-learning classroom, the Faculty Development Center, the IT Help Desk, a multi-media area, a theater, an auditorium, the University archives, the carillon tower, and a Cafe. It houses one of the largest collections of children's literature in the United States. The building has full wireless connectivity, as well as Automated Retrieval Collection (ARC) system, capable of housing 1 million items. While the most-used books are still on shelves, the majority of the school's books are stored within this system, which runs several stories underneath the library itself. Bruce Halle is the founder of Discount Tire Company, and has been a major benefactor.HistoryBruce T. Halle Library is the third library building in Eastern Michigan University's history. Past libraries include Old Main, R. Clyde Ford Hall, and University Library. The University Library is now the Eastern Michigan University College of Education, named in honor of Porter Hall. The first library on campus was a single room in the Old Main administration building. The first building that was dedicated as a library building was Ford Hall. Ford Hall was built in 1929 and University Library (Porter) was built in 1967. In the 1990s students began to advocate for a new library due to over-crowding. Halle Library was built on the site of the old physical plant building. The facility's Architectural Style is Post Modern. During the facility's dedication in 1998, students faculty and staff lined up between University Library (Porter Hall) and Halle Library. Participants passed books one by one between the two libraries as a poetic gesture. In 2009 the Library featured work of Jessica Park.