INTRODUCTION
PREVIOUS LIBRARY LOCATIONS
CATALOG
TECHNOLOGY
LIBRARY LEARNING
STUDY ROOMS
PUBLICATIONS
ARCHIVES
UNIQUE LIBRARY FEATURES

Introduction and Background

Officially opened in June 2000, the John D. Ong Library is a 21,000 sq. ft building designed by the Pittsburgh-based architectural firm of McLachlan, Cornelius & Filoni. The current library honors John D. Ong, who served as WRA Board President from 1977 to 1995.

Previous library locations have included:

1826-1827: Rev. William Hanford's study on Aurora St
1827-1836: Middle College (demolished in 1912)
1836-1882: Academy Chapel (ground floor)
1882-1903: Athenaeum (top floor, west)
1916-1921: Seymour Hall
1921-1963: Academy Chapel (ground floor)
1963-2000: Wilson Hall

Catalog

The automated catalog is available via the library web page. Students and faculty also have onsite and remote access to other Ohio school, university, and public library catalogs.

Technology

While the library building conveys 19th century charm and grandeur, it subtly offers 21st century technology. Personal computers are available throughout the library and laptops may be checked out for use within the library. Data-ports are strategically located in the library and all furniture is wired for laptop connection. The computer laboratory on the lower level is equipped with twenty four computer learning stations for class or individual use.

Library Learning

Locating and evaluating information is not always easy. Through carefully designed bibliographic instruction, librarians help students learn key information skills. These skills emphasize general information problem solving and research processes. Librarians works closely with faculty to co-ordinate research skills instruction with curriculum needs. The bibliographic classroom on the lower level is a state-of-the-art learning facility.

Study Rooms

Nine group study rooms are available on the main and upper levels of the library. These rooms can be used for both individual and group study.

Library Publications

Library staff produce a number of publications designed to encourage and facilitate use of library resources. These include new materials lists, book reviews and recommendations, and the Ongoing News, a monthly newsletter.

Archives

Western Reserve Academy's revered history is documented in the Academy Archives Collection housed on the lower level of the library. Included in the collection are yearbooks, faculty and alumni records, school publications, photographs, correspondence, audiotapes, videotapes and 16mm films. The Archives Collection is open to students, alumni, faculty and historians.

Unique Library Features

Bible Lectern
Location: Anne Chapman Reading Area (Upper Level)

This was designed to support a copy of the Bible or other religious manuscripts used in a monastic community where portions of the Scripture were either read aloud or sung. Around the octagonal center portion of the stand can be found the symbols of the Four Evangelists: Man (Matthew), Lion (Mark), Ox (Luke), and Eagle (John). It may be a late 1400's lectern, probably purchased by benefactor James W. Ellsworth before 1914.

Ellsworth Desk
Location: Archives (Lower Level)

Recently refinished for use in the WRA Archives, this desk with its classic-style panels is believed to have been a gift of benefactor James W. Ellsworth. Originally a roll-top desk, it was first used in the old Chapel Library by librarian Mary Eilbeck. Moved to Wilson hall in 1963, it served as a circulation desk for 37 years.

Gargoyles
Location: Outside on the southeast side of the building

Many cultures throughout history have placed gargoyles upon the roof of important buildings. Jamie Steveson, a WRA Trustee and the library building project manager, likes to think of the gargoyles as his signature. Mr. Steveson also referred to the common belief that they are protectors, keeping away evil from the building and its occupants.

Globe
Location: Main Level

The globe sculpture is an original piece of art designed exclusively for WRA by Tom Antonishak, a world-renowned artist and sculptor who has art galleries in Poland, Ohio and Avon, Colorado. The sculpture, donated by Ong family, represents the tie between books and the adventures they stir within the imagination of young and old.

Names
Location: Upper Level
The upper level walls of the library are lined with the names of influential authors, historians and philosophers. All the names were chosen by and are the favorites of John D. Ong, who served as WRA Board President from 1977 to 1995.

Unicorn (La Licorne)
Location: Anne Chapman Reading Area (Upper Level)

Harold M. Hahn, a world-renowned ship model builder, designed and built this replica of La Licorne, a 32 gun French frigate. In 1992, Hahn gave the La Licorne to the school in honor of his two granddaughters, Mary Sugar '93 and Robin Sugar '96. To learn more about the history of the actual La Licorne, ask a librarian to see a copy of the article that Hahn wrote for The Nautical Research Journal.