Harold B. Lee Library
Harold B. Lee Library: Where We Began (1961)
The Harold B. Lee Library began humbly in the office of Karl G. Maeser, BYU’s first principal, where a small collection of books was maintained almost entirely through donations and federal materials. When the Lewis Building burned down in 1884, the collection was lost. But by 1892, with the completion of the Education Building, the library was revived and given a dedicated space on its second floor. As Brigham Young Academy transitioned into Brigham Young University in 1903, the library grew alongside it, quickly spilling into multiple floors of the Education Building to accommodate increasing enrollment and a strengthening curriculum.
In 1925, the university opened the Heber J. Grant Library, moving 40,000 books and 35,000 pamphlets into the new building. However, by the early 1950s, this space too became overcrowded. Books were being stored in almost every building on campus. President Wilkinson commissioned a study of the university’s library needs in 1953, which led to the construction of the J. Reuben Clark Library in 1961. It opened with a capacity for 300,000 volumes and would continue to expand along with BYU’s academic ambitions.
In 1973, the library was renamed to honor Harold B. Lee, the 11th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in part to distinguish it from the newly established J. Reuben Clark Law School
Harold B. Lee Library: Where We Are Now
The Harold B. Lee Library (HBLL) at Brigham Young University stands as a testament to the institution's commitment to academic excellence and spiritual heritage. Completed in 1961 and named in 1973 after the 11th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the library has evolved into a central hub for research, study, and community engagement. Spanning six stories, four above ground and two below, the HBLL houses over 6 million books and artifacts, offering an impressive 98 miles of shelving. On any given day, approximately 10,000 students and staff utilize its resources, making it a vital part of campus life.
Within its walls, the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Library preserves a wealth of historical treasures. Among its holdings are original copies of the Book of Mormon and the Book of Commandments, the precursor to the Doctrine and Covenants. The archives also feature personal papers from notable figures such as Cecil B. DeMille and Jimmy Stewart, as well as portions of the Gutenberg Bible. Remarkably, the oldest item in the collection is an inventory from a bartender in ancient Mesopotamia, dating back to 2055 B.C.
To meet rising demands, a 215,000-square-foot expansion was completed in 1976, bringing total seating to 4,500. Another major expansion in 2000 added 235,000 square feet, mostly underground, creating space for tech-equipped classrooms, a digitization center, and more student seating. These renovations ensured the library could support both traditional scholarship and modern research needs.
In 2025, the HBLL continues to serve as a dynamic resource for the BYU community. The library offers a range of services, including a family-friendly study room, research and writing center, and a café. Its second floor hosts the Church’s second-largest family history center, providing opportunities for individuals to explore their genealogical roots. Additionally, the library has adapted to modern needs by providing group study rooms, collaborative work areas, and specialty labs for multimedia work, scanning, and 3D printing. Wi-Fi is available throughout the building, ensuring that students have access to the tools they need for academic success
At the building’s rededication in 2000, President Gordon B. Hinckley affirmed the library’s place at the heart of BYU’s mission, calling it “the very heart and substance of a university."