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About the Library: History

Library History

History of the Marist Library

Greystone

The Marist College Library was originally housed on the top floor of Greystone in 1928. In 1945, reference, periodical and work areas took over the second floor as well, and then in 1949, the Library also claimed Greystone's lowest level. The Library remained in Greystone for 35 years.

Donnelly Hall

The burgeoning library moved from Greystone to Donnelly Hall in 1963. In the space now occupied by the Computer Center and DN256, Donnelly Hall housed what was known as the Spellman Library for the next 12 years.

Fontaine Hall

The Library moved from Donnelly to Fontaine Hall in 1975. It remained there until 1998, when the library moved temporarily across Route 9 to the former Poughkeepsie Steel Plant, purchased by Marist College to house the Library while the new James A. Cannavino Library was constructed.

James A. Cannavino Library

Dedicated on May 6th, 2000, the 83,000 square-foot James A. Cannavino Library is known for its blending of classical design and 21st-century technology. The three-story structure overlooks the campus green and Hudson River on the west, and "Heritage Plaza,” which connects historic 19th-century buildings and the college chapel, on the east. 

The $25 million library houses book stacks and archives on its ground floor; research materials, periodicals and an "e-scriptorium" on its main floor; and a Center for Collaborative Learning on its top floor.  At any of the 600 seats - ranging from individual study carrels to soft-cushioned easy chairs overlooking the Hudson River - students and faculty can access the Marist College network via wi-fi and connect to sources of information on campus and across the globe. Don't own a laptop? IBM ThinkPads® are available for loan at the circulation desk. Collaborative study rooms allow group discussions on projects while quiet study areas offer scenic vistas to go with tranquil settings in which to read. 

Academic support functions ranging from a writing center to language labs and multimedia classrooms are just some of the features that serve as a laboratory for learning on the library's top floor. An executive presentation room provides a corporate board of directors' setting, complete with the latest presentation technology offerings. 

The Cannavino Library's two-story atrium entrance also features a coffee bar and is a popular gathering space for students, faculty and staff. 

The Library is named for James A. Cannavino, a long-time member of the Marist Board of Trustees and one of the country's leading technology visionaries.

Contact

James A. Cannavino Library

3399 North Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 575-3106

In the Library