Ablah Library
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History:
Morrison Library served the campus well, but it could not handle the expansion of new programs and students that followed World War II. Plans for a new building became reality with a real estate gift from the Frank and Harvey Ablah families, and Ablah Library was opened in 1962. The basement was finished in 1972, and major additions on the east and west were completed in 1988. The first Morrison Library was the center of the campus and today Ablah Library, fronted by Gardner Plaza, still occupies that position. Glen Gardner served both Wichita University and Wichita State University as business manager.
The initial unit was designed by John Hickman, one of Frank Lloyd Wright's co-workers. The library was to reflect a prairie style building, both outside and in terms of the interior wood details. That design has been extensively covered by the addition on the east which houses the Media Resources Center, including TV 13, and the west addition which contains the new two-story library entrance and a light well to provide windows for the basement level. When viewed from most directions, Ablah Library projects a post-modern design concept. The 1988 additions, plus major remodeling of the original unit, were designed by the Wichita firm of Schaefer, Johnson, Cox, and Frey with Kenton Cox as the project designer. Most recently, a 24-hour study room with PC access to the library catalogue was added and named for Kathlien Edmiston, alumnus, member of the WU Board of Regents and the WSU Board of Trustees, and life long friend of the University.