Carroll Library

The Carroll Library has been a vital institution for Baylor since the early 20th century. The need for a central library became clear when Waco University consolidated with Baylor University at Independence in 1886, resulting in the opening of Baylor University. Holdings were spread throughout a number of libraries and literary societies making research difficult. Baylor's student newspaper, the Lariat, proposed the creation of a university library. In 1901, Baylor President, Oscar H. Cooper, requested the board of trustees to create the position of curator and librarian, and recommended the appointment of James J. Carroll to the position. F.L. Carroll, for whom the library is named, donated funds for construction. Building of the library and chapel began in April 1903. The library opened with an accumulation of about 18,000 books. A number of special holdings, including the Browning Collection (which later became the nucleus of the Armstrong Browning Library) and Texas Collection, have been held here. In 1922, fire destroyed the library, though many items were saved. The Baylor Alumni Association led a fundraising effort which resulted in the construction of a new building by 1923. During the next fifty years, various departments and offices occupied Carroll Library. In 1968, the main library moved, allowing the Texas Collection, which returned here in the 1950s, to expand. In 1993, the University renovated the library building. Today, Carroll Library continues to be a vital scholarly institution for students and faculty of Baylor University, as well as for others in Waco and throughout Texas. (2008)

Carroll Library is a historical marker in Waco, McLennan County, dedicated in 2008. It is one of 198 historical markers documented in McLennan County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 224 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.5451, -97.1189 near Waco. The nearest cataloged historic site is Dr. David Richard Wallace (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Burleson Quadrangle, George W. Carroll Science Hall, and Neff, Governor Patrick Morris.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5507014173. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.