Library records

The Bowdoin College Library traces its origins to 1797 with the College's first gift of books, marking the foundation of its collections. These were significantly expanded in the early 19th century, particularly with the 1811 bequest of James Bowdoin III's private library, which added a vast number of valuable works. Further growth occurred when the Athenaean and Peucinian Society libraries were incorporated, enriching the library’s collections with diverse materials. Over time, the collections grew to encompass not only books but also journals, government documents, manuscripts, and archival materials, acquired through both gifts and purchases. The library's physical spaces evolved alongside its collections. King's Chapel and Hubbard Hall were constructed to accommodate the expanding materials. Today, the collections are housed in the Hawthorne-Longfellow Library, the Hatch Science Library, and several departmental libraries across campus. The library entered the digital age in 1973 with the introduction of online cataloging via OCLC, followed by the installation of the OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) in 1990. Throughout the 1990s, further advancements were made in automating procedures and services. In 1996, the Bowdoin College Library website was launched, with content created and maintained by library staff. Since then, the Bowdoin College Library has continued to expand its digital services, providing access and research assistance to its vast collection of digital and physical media, books, journals, and other research tools.