The UM-Flint Library Looks Back through Time

After the Classroom/Office Building was constructed, the UM-Flint library moved from its temporary location in the Mott Memorial Building (which was shared for several years with Flint JC, now Mott College) to the 5th floor of the new CROB structure.

This was intended to be an interim location for the library as well. Plans were on the drawing board to eventually create a new building to house just the library. The concept was a round building located near what is now MSB. A model of the planned building was created and installed on the large table-top 3-D model of the UM-Flint campus, which was on display at UCEN for many years.

When and how the library would be built was unknown, though. No finalized architectural plans had been drawn up. No donors had come forward to help the University provide research and study space and opportunities for its students.

Then several fortuitous things happened nearly simultaneously.

The property which had been used by the State (of Michigan) Building as a parking lot became available to re-purpose.

Through the efforts of Joanne Sullenger, UM-Flint Development officer, donors were made aware of our need and stepped forward to assist, chief among them the Thompson family. (Our facility is named in honor of Mrs. Frances Willson Thompson.)

An architectural firm was selected. Plans were drawn. Ground was broken. A new library building was created!

Thompson Library looks back on the nadir of our beautiful facility on the 20th anniversary of opening the Thompson Library to the students, faculty and staff of the University of Michigan-Flint campus!