Rolvaag Memorial Library
Rolvaag Research Resources
Our catalog, databases, and digital collections can be searched from the Libraries' homepage.
Rolvaag Library Regular Hours
| Sunday | noon - midnight |
| Monday | 7:45am - midnight |
| Tuesday | 7:45am - midnight |
| Wednesday | 7:45am - midnight |
| Thursday | 7:45am - midnight |
| Friday | 7:45am - 9pm |
| Saturday | 9am - 9pm |
Library Maps
Rolvaag Library is connected to Buntrock Commons on the east side of campus. The library is 5 and a half levels, with collections and services distributed as follows:
| Call Numbers starting A - HG | Level 5 |
| Call Numbers starting HJ - N | Level 4 |
| Call Numbers starting P | Level 2 |
| Call Numbers starting Q - Z | Level 1 |
| Call Numbers starting M | Located in the Music Library |
| Oversize Books | Level 3 1/2 |
| Periodicals | Level 1 |
| Music Periodicals | Level 1 |
| Genealogy Materials | Level 3 |
| Government Documents | Level 1 |
| Reference Collection | Level 3 |
| VHS & Documentary DVDs | Media Room Level 3 |
| Feature Film DVDs | Media Room Level 3 |
| Music Recordings | Located in the Music Library |
| Public Copiers | Levels 3, 3 1/2, 4 |
| Public Computer Labs | Levels 3 |
| Restrooms | Levels 1, 3, & 5 |
Food and Drink in the Library
Please review our food and drink policy if you wish to bring food into the library.
About Rolvaag Library
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 Association (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, Information Technology, the English Department, and the St. Olaf College Archives all share the building with the Library.