Fondren Library, Rice University

Significance

Fondren Library is the main research library of Rice University. The library was founded and endowed with the Rice Institute itself, but for decades its books filled the second floor of the administration building, now Lovett Hall, and spilled into other buildings. A $1 million gift from the family of Walter W. Fondren, a co-founder of the Humble Oil and Refining Company, made a central library possible. Designed by Staub & Rather, with William Ward Watkin as consulting architect, the building was dedicated on November 4, 1949. It was notable for its open stacks and its Art Deco influenced design. A Graduate Research Wing, home of the Woodson Research Center for rare books and manuscripts, was added in 1968 and 1969, and a major interior renovation in 2005 and 2006 opened a new west entrance.

Climate risks tracked

Libraries face a special climate risk because water and humidity can destroy collections that cannot be replaced. Keeping rare books and archives above likely flood levels, with backflow protection and quick pump-out plans, is the most important resilience measure. Stable temperature and humidity control protect both paper collections and the building's interior finishes, so backup power for climate systems during storm outages is valuable. Exterior brick and stone should be kept well pointed and sealed to keep wind-driven rain out, with repairs that match the original masonry.

Use the preservation assistant to talk through retrofit strategies for these specific threats.

Location

Nearby landmarks

• 1912 · Byzantine-Mediterranean 'Rice style'

  Lovett Hall, Rice University

• 1950 · Modern stadium

  Rice Stadium