Ball State University will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Alexander M. Bracken Library with a community birthday party from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, in the library’s main lobby.
The event, free and open to the public, will feature remarks from Grammy Award–winning pianist and Ball State alumna Angelin Chang, along with live music by Ball State jazz musicians. Guests will enjoy birthday cake and punch while exploring historical displays showcasing the library’s five decades as the intellectual heart of campus.
“We are excited to welcome students, faculty and staff, alumni, and friends of the University to join us in celebrating Bracken Library’s 50th anniversary,” said Dr. Nancy Abashian, dean of University Libraries. “This milestone is an opportunity not only to reflect on five decades of service, but also to reaffirm our mission of supporting teaching, research, and creative work in alignment with Ball State’s commitment to preparing students for fulfilling careers and meaningful lives.”
The birthday celebration is the centerpiece of a series of events planned in early September to mark the milestone:
- Sept. 2 — The Women of Bracken Library, 6-7 p.m., E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center: Melissa Gentry, maps collections supervisor, will present on the contributions of women throughout the history of University Libraries.
- Sept. 3 — University Libraries on the Go!, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Student Center Tally Food Court: pop-up table with resources, study tips, and free swag.
- Sept. 3 — Nifty Fifty Bracken Honkin’ Trivia Night, 7-9 p.m., Bracken Library: a fun competition featuring questions about Ball State, campus culture, and Muncie’s geese.
- Sept. 17 — University Libraries on the Go!, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Student Center Tally Food Court: second pop-up session for students.
Since its opening in 1975, Bracken Library has grown far beyond a traditional book repository. Today, University Libraries welcome more than 3,000 daily visitors and provide access to more than 1 million items, including books, periodicals, maps, government publications, musical scores, archival records, and extensive digital resources. The library is also home to the Center for Middletown Studies, University Archives and Special Collections, the Andrew Seager Archives of the Built Environment, and the Digital Media Repository. Students and faculty benefit from services such as 3D printing, technology lending, and immersive learning opportunities, ensuring that University Libraries remain a central hub for research and discovery.
“Bracken Library is so much more than a building—it is a vibrant resource that supports teaching, learning, and discovery in countless ways,” said Dr. Amy Petts, associate dean for strategic engagement and learning. “From access to materials and specialized archives to technology-rich spaces and innovative services, University Libraries empowers our students and faculty to succeed in their scholarship and creative work.”
The vision for Bracken Library began in the 1960s as Ball State’s enrollment surged and its existing library reached capacity. Ground was broken on May 24, 1972, when eight golden shovels marked the start of the $14.1 million project, which President John J. Pruis described as the most significant building project in the University’s history.
When the library officially opened on Sept. 9, 1975, the five-story, 321,800-square-foot facility was the second-largest building on campus and designed to house nearly one million volumes. It featured hundreds of study carrels, group study rooms, specialized listening booths, and even smoking lounges—features that reflected the era and established Bracken as a state-of-the-art academic facility.
The building bears the name of Alexander M. Bracken (1908–1991), a lawyer, philanthropist, and longtime chairman of Ball Corp. who served on Ball State’s Board of Trustees from 1954 to 1980, including 15 years as chairman. During his tenure, Ball State achieved university status, enrollment grew from 5,000 to more than 17,000 students, and the campus expanded significantly. In recognition of his leadership and philanthropy, the University named its new library for him in 1974.
“We are deeply grateful to the University leaders who had the foresight to conceptualize and invest in such a significant facility,” Dr. Abashian said. “For 50 years, Bracken Library has stood the test of time and continues to evolve with the needs of our campus, remaining a cornerstone of academic life at Ball State.”
For more information about University Libraries and its 50th anniversary events, visit bsu.edu/libraries.