Fall has finally hit Ohio in earnest.  As we head into November, thoughts turn to colder temperatures, Thanksgiving, and for Buckeye fans, the Ohio State – Michigan game. This year’s contest is on November 17 in unfriendly territory “up North.”

Ohio’s flagship educational institution is located on a campus where tradition and history live. Although not without a few preservation missteps (University Hall comes to mind), the University has a good overall record in saving important elements of its past – with some particularly good success stories.

One of those positive stories is currently being written with the $79 million renovation and expansion of the William Oxley Thompson Main Library on the Oval at OSU. The original portion of the Main Library opened in 1913, and was designed by the Boston architectural firm of Allen and Collens. In 1951, the familiar 11 story bookstack tower was added to the rear of the original building, and various additions have followed. In the renovation project, the original grand reading room, long-since divided into smaller spaces, will be completely restored to its original two-story appearance.

Click here to access the project website, and be sure to visit the “Design & Construction” page to view renderings of the completed project.

And, for a trip through the architectural history of The Ohio State University, click here to visit the University’s “Interactive Historical Campus Map.” By adjusting the timeline, visitors to the site can view the physical evolution of the OSU campus from 1871 through 2001.

"The seasons pass, the years will roll; Time and change will surely show, how firm thy friendship - O-HI-O" -- from Carmen Ohio, the OSU Alma Mater.

Photo: Original building, William Oxley Thompson Main Library, The Ohio State University, Columbus - fusionpanda/Creative Commons License