: For Students, Faculty, and Staff 
Past Walter Library at 100 events
Oct. 30 — Trick o’ Reading: A Dark Academic Reading Study Break
Have you heard of a reading party? Do you like dark, gothic novels? Horror? Romantasy? Trillers? Mysteries? Spend a cozy afternoon relaxing and reading in the unique Upson Room (room 102) at Walter Library! Bring a spooky book to read, select one from a pop-up library of fun books, try the Libby app for fun ebooks or audiobooks or just come hang out with fellow readers including student representatives from the University Book Club.
There will be warm beverages and snacks to enjoy. As we celebrate the 100 anniversary of Walter Library — we go back to the origins of room 102. On the architectural drawings it was labeled the “standard library.” The purpose was to provide a place for students to read for pleasure and enjoyment – no studying or textbooks allowed. Join us as we slow down and read. Free. All are welcome. No registration required. Bring a friend!
Oct. 25 — Homecoming Parade
Look out for the Libraries at this year’s Homecoming Parade as we celebrate Walter at 100! The parade takes place on Friday, Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m.
The University of Minnesota Libraries marches in last year’s homecoming parade. (Photo/Adria Carpenter)
Oct. 4, 2024 — Walter 100 Pop-Up Exhibit for Family and Parent Weekend
Calling students, families and parents on campus for Family Weekend — stop by Walter Library and explore a mini-exhibit about the history and construction of the first “new” library on campus. Meet in the unique and historic Upson Room (room 102) to explore campus history and view blueprints, then and now images and more. Go on a mini-tour and pick up stickers, postcards, and bookmarks to celebrate Walter Library.
Oct. 1, 2024 — Celebrating Walter Library at 100
In 1924, Walter Library was the new kid on the block — only the second building constructed on what would become known as Northrop Mall. One hundred years later, the iconic building remains a beloved library and essential to advancing learning and research at the University of Minnesota.
Sept. 26, 2024 — Walter 100 Pop-up exhibit at Graduate and Professional Student Open House
Join us for a free “Library Open House for Graduate and Professional Students” on Thursday, September 26, 2024. Stop by Walter Library anytime from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Grab a treat, explore Walter Library. The Walter 100 pop up library will be open in room 102.
Sept. 20, 2024 — School spirit study break: Gopher bracelet making and Walter 100 pop-up exhibit
Celebrate Gopher Football as they take on Iowa for the Floyd the pig statue and join us in the atmospheric Upson room (Walter Library room 102) for studying, maroon and gold Gopher spirit friendship bracelet making, music and snacks. We will have a Walter Library 100 mini pop-up exhibit and pull out some archival Gopher Football memories such as videos of past Iowa games in the old Memorial Stadium, images, football programs and more. All are welcome. Bring a Gopher! Alumni welcome too!
June 25, 2024 — Behind the scenes: Walter Library at 100 alumni event
Calling all U of M alumni! Join us for a behind the scenes tour of Walter Library as it celebrates its 100 birthday. Learn about the history, construction and ongoing legacy of Walter Library. Get a tour of the architectural features, view historical photos, artifacts and blueprints of the first library built on campus. Then, tour one of the newest spaces in Walter — the Toaster Innovation Hub and Makerspace — and give it a try with 3D printing, VR, and hands-on making.
Fall 2023 Walter Library 100 events
Staff hosted Walter Library 100 table events that featured stickers, postcards, and bookmarks to celebrate Walter Library.
- Gopher Gear Up: Tuesday, 8/29 at 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Coffman front plaza
- Campus Exploration Fair: Friday, 9/1 at 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., outside Walter Library
- Bonus: explore the mini-exhibit in the Upson room (Walter first floor room 102) and go on a mini-Walter Library tour
- UMN Farmers Market: Wednesday, 9/6 at 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Gateway Plaza (Outside McNamara Alumni Center)
- WAM-O-RAMA: Friday, 9/8 at 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Weisman Art Museum
- WAM’s Study Night x Art Rental (with Pop-up library): Wednesday, 9/27 at 5 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Weisman Art Museum
- Academic Success and Peer Tutoring Fair: Thursday 9/28 – 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Walter Library 100 Pop-up Exhibit
Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 from 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Walter Library is turning 100 years old! Explore a mini-exhibit about the history and construction of the first “new” library on campus. Meet in the unique and historic Upson Room (room 102) to explore campus history and view blueprints, then and now images and more. Go on a mini-tour and pick up stickers, postcards, and bookmarks to celebrate Walter Library. Free. All are welcome.
UMN InstaMeet – Walter Library 100 edition
Sept. 24, 2023 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Join us for a UMN InstaMeet to celebrate the 100 birthday of Walter Library. An InstaMeet is a way for Gophers (current, past and future) to meet one another and take photos around their favorite old library together. Learn more and register.Party Like it’s your birthday: Walter Library 100
Walter Library at 100 Kickoff at Homecoming
Sept. 26, 2023 Open House from 3 to 5 p.m.
Did you know Walter Library is turning 100 years old? Let’s celebrate! Join us at Walter Library on Tuesday, Sept. 26 anytime from 3 – 5 p.m.
Learn about the history and construction of “the library,” see then/now photos, spin the prize wheel for a chance to win a Walter 100 t-shirt. Play lawn games and write a birthday message to one of our favorite buildings on campus.
Walter Library 100 Pop-up Exhibit
Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023 from 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Walter Library is turning 100 years old! Explore a mini-exhibit about the history and construction of the first “new” library on campus. Meet in the unique and historic Upson Room (room 102) to explore campus history and view blueprints, then and now images and more. Go on a mini-tour and pick up stickers, postcards, and bookmarks to celebrate Walter Library. Free. All are welcome.
Walter Library 100 Pop-up Exhibit – Parent & Family weekend
Friday, Oct. 27, 2023 from 2 – 4 p.m.
Walter Library is turning 100 years old! We are welcoming Parents & Family for this special Explore, a mini-exhibit about the history and construction of the first “new” library on campus. Meet in the unique and historic Upson Room (room 102) to explore campus history and view blueprints, then and now images and more. Go on a mini-tour and pick up stickers, postcards, and bookmarks to celebrate Walter Library. Free. All are welcome.
Walter Library 100 Pop-up Exhibit
Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023 from 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Walter Library is turning 100 years old! Explore a mini-exhibit about the history and construction of the first “new” library on campus. Meet in the unique and historic Upson Room (room 102) to explore campus history and view blueprints, then and now images and more. Go on a mini-tour and pick up stickers, postcards, and bookmarks to celebrate Walter Library. Free. All are welcome.
An Afternoon Tea: Celebrating 100th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone
On May 17, 1923, the University of Minnesota celebrated a significant milestone: the cornerstone was laid for its new library building, then called simply “The Library.” Exactly 100 years later, current and former staff members — along with members of the University community — gathered to commemorate the anniversary.
Photo: Carl Stover.
The celebration took place on May 17, 2023 in the Great Hall of this very same building, which was renamed after University Librarian Frank K. Walter in 1959. Attendees had the opportunity to gather and learn about the past, present, and future of both Walter Library and the University Libraries writ large.