Rolvaag Memorial Library

 

Rolvaag Reference Desk: (507) 646-3452
Rolvaag Circulation Desk: (507) 646-3224
Interlibrary Loan: (507) 646-3223


Rolvaag Memorial Library is the largest of the three libraries on campus. All Library of Congress classes, with the exception of "M" (Music—housed in Halvorson Music Library) and "Q" (Science—housed in Glasoe Science Library), reside in Rolvaag.

Hours | Circulation Policies | Available Materials |
Library Catalog (Bridge) |  Library Maps & Stack Guides

Rolvaag Library is named for Ole E. Rølvaag (1876-1931), novelist, educator, St. Olaf graduate, and father of Karl Rølvaag, Governor of Minnesota. A Norwegian immigrant, Rølvaag is best know for two novels, I de dage (1924) and Riket gundlæges (1925). These two works, the story of Norwegian immigrant and pioneer Per Hansa, were translated into English as Giants in the Earth in 1927.

Although completed in 1942, Rolvaag Memorial Library remained without a name until 1944. Advocates for Rølvaag encountered concern among those who objected to the "sordid" realism of his novels and his criticism of the cultural sensibilities of some Lutheran clergy. (Shaw, Dear Old Hill, p. 142)

The Felland wing (1966) provided additional stack space and quarters for the Norwegian American Historical Society (NAHA). The Dittmanson wing (1991) added more stack and study space. Renovation of the original building accompanied the construction of Dittmanson.

Today, NAHA, the Kierkegaard Library, and the St. Olaf College Archives share a building with Rolvaag Memorial Library.