Libraries

Graceland University maintains libraries on both its Lamoni and Independence campuses.

Over the years, various buildings have served the purpose of housing library services, but it was not until 1966 that Graceland built its first dedicated facility specifically for a library – the Frederick Madison Smith Library, named after Graceland’s first graduate.

“He delighted in learning, believed in education as essential to freedom and dignity, and in a strong, healthy society for effective service to God and mankind.” – plaque dedication to Frederick Madison Smith at entrance to the library

Graceland’s Independence, Missouri, campus hosts the Dr. Charles F. Grabske Library, which has an extensive collection of nursing resources.

Library Resources

Our Libraries

Frederick Madison Smith Library

Graceland's library on the Lamoni campus contains 39,099 square feet of floor space and is designed to hold up to 126,000 books.

Visit The Frederick M. Smith Library

Dr. Charles F. Grabske Library

Based on Graceland's Independence campus, the Grabske library contains an extensive collection of nursing resources and is available to our nursing and online students.

Visit The Grabske Library

Aristotle the Owl

Originally a stuffed owl, Aristotle the Owl has presided over the library since the earliest days of the university when the library was housed in the Higdon Administration Building and later Briggs Hall. Roy Cheville gave the owl its name during his student days. Librarian Cleo Hanthorne (Moon) adopted the owl symbol for the library stationery and public programs. She eventually threw away the dusty owl sometime prior to the opening of the Frederick Madison Smith Library. However, Aristotle reemerged sometime in the last 40 years as a statue that has been perched on a bookshelf in the library, vigilantly watching over Gracelanders’ studies.