Published on April 4, 2022 by Leigh A. Jones, Evening and Weekend Reference Librarian  
National Library Week 2022 will be celebrated on Sunday, April 3 – Saturday, April 9. The week, sponsored by the American Library Association, is designed to honor libraries and the contributions of the many library workers who keep them going and help them thrive. During this week, all types of libraries (including law libraries) celebrate by promoting library use and support. This year’s theme is “Connect with Your Library.” To encourage you to connect with your library, take a look at these five fun facts about the Lucille Stewart Beeson Law Library.

1. The Lucille Stewart Beeson Law Library first opened on March 1, 1995.

The library was dedicated by former President Gerald R. Ford on February 15, 1996.

2. Before the Beeson Law Library was constructed, the Cordell Hull Law Library (which was located in Memory Leake Robinson Hall) served as the library for Cumberland School of Law.

The Cordell Hull Law Library was named in honor of the longest-serving United States Secretary of State.  Hull won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945. He studied law at Cumberland University (Lebanon, Tennessee), where he graduated in 1891. The Great Room, the mezzanine, current faculty offices, and other spaces were part of the law library when it was in Robinson Hall.

3. When you walk through the first set of doors of the law library, you will be greeted by a quote (on the left) that reads, “Seek wisdom to temper justice with compassion.”

These are the words of Lucille Stewart Beeson, who, along with members of her family, were major donors and supporters of Samford University. The lawyer and philanthropist passed away in 2001.

4. Inside the law library, you will find Friendship.

The Friendship Room, located on the second floor of the law library, is a place where members of the Cumberland community can gather for small meetings and lectures. In addition to this space, the library has a reading lounge and multiple conference rooms. There are, approximately, 474 study spaces within the law library.

5. On March 24, 2022, it was reported that the law library’s gate counter exceeded one million.

That’s a lot of visitors! The count began right before the building opened in 1995. This milestone was reached during Law Week 2022.

Bonus Fact

If you ever have questions about the information and services provided by the Lucille Stewart Beeson Law Library, you can always contact a member of the law library’s wonderful staff. 
 
If you want to learn more about the history of the Lucille Stewart Beeson Law Library, read Ed Craig’s article, “Celebrating Beeson Law Library’s 25th Anniversary – March 1, 2020.”
 
During National Library Week (and after), take some time to “Connect with Your Library.”