Huie Library (1934)

After moving the dining hall and kitchen to the first floor of Mooney Hall, in October, 1934, at a cost of $3,000, the College transformed the old Dining Hall into a newly remodeled Library. For the first time in the history of the school, the Library was located in a separate building. With 6,200 square feet for space, the new Library contained a large reading room in the south part; a smaller reference room in the center; and an ample stack room in the north part. This was a great improvement over the cramped quarters in College Hall, its previous location. The refurbished building also featured a Celotex ceiling; brown battleship linoleum on colored walls; cream-colored shades for all the windows, and adequate light fixtures. The College named the Library Huie Hall in honor of Mrs. Minnie Belle Huie, the reference librarian who had served Henderson since 1921

The College officially dedicated Huie Hall, the “new Library”, on Friday night, September 28, 1934, “before an enthusiastic audience which cheered the selection of the name for the remodeled library.” In the dedicatory speech, President Womack stated that the choice of name was "prompted, not only by the many personal gifts and service to the library, but also by the unselfish spirit of loyalty which had characterized her work throughout the years.” He also sketched the historical development of the Library and paid tribute to all those friends of the Library who had donated both books and money through the years. The elaborate program of dedication also featured a band concert and a formal reception.

Upon occupying the new building, Henderson could “now boast one of the best libraries in the State.” Already ranking third in the number of books, "the splendid new Library with its sound-proofed and well lighted reading rooms, place it far superior to most state college facilities. This development has come about through a process of steady growth”.

Generally, the Library remained open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, except Friday night and Saturday. In 1941, Huie Library had one librarian who managed its operation and directed the student assistants. It contained 20,000 volumes and received about 190 current magazines and leading newspapers. Now included as a part of the annual budget of the College, Huie Library could steadily and gradually improve its holdings and services to the students, faculty, and general public.

Huie Library moved to Arkansas Hall in 1949, and the old building became a storage facility “for discarded furniture from all over the campus.” By February, 1963, the former library, which students often referred to as “Check Point Charlie”, was razed to clear all space needed for the construction of McBrien Hall.