Parsons Music Library celebrated its 25th anniversary on October 4, 2021. The library’s roots are in Keller Hall where, starting in 1954, a collection of scores and LP records was assembled to support the music curriculum (books about music were shelved at Boatwright Library). The first Music Librarian was Hannah Lide Coker, a Westhampton alumna who also taught music education. When the Fine Arts Building (Booker Hall) was built in 1967, the music library’s scores, recordings, and record players moved there. In 1977, management of the music library was transferred to the University Libraries, and Bonny Hall was named the new Music Librarian. When the University unveiled plans for a new performing arts center in 1993, it included space for a much bigger library. The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation donated $1 million towards this project, and the new music library was named in Mrs. Parsons’ honor. For the first time music books, scores and recordings could all be housed in the same location. On October 4, 1996, Parsons Music Library officially opened in the brand-new Modlin Center for the Arts. In 2017-18 the library was extensively renovated and expanded, gaining even more natural light, more study space, and an outdoor patio.
The Music Library is a resource for all UR students, faculty, and staff. Stop by to check out a book or music score, or borrow a CD or DVD. Don’t have a CD or DVD player? You can use ours onsite.
~ Linda B. Fairtile, Ph.D. – Head, Parsons Music Library, & Performing Arts Librarian