Full of rich history, Parks Library has stood for over 100 years on the Iowa State University campus, providing materials, study space and academic resources. 

Prior to its opening in January 1925, Iowa State’s written collections were housed around campus in Old Main (1868-1892), then Morrill Hall (1892-1914) and finally Beardshear Hall (1914-1925) before their permanent residence inside Parks. 

At its opening, Parks was just 35,000 square feet sprawling across three floors, nine times smaller than the current structure. However, the original design by the architecture firm Proudfoot, Bird & Rawson planned for future expansions. 

As time passed, student enrollment grew, requiring the growth of Parks. The first addition was completed in 1961 on the north side, increasing space for the expansion of materials and student enrollment. A second addition was finished in 1968. Between the completions of both additions, Iowa State’s enrollment had increased by 61%. 

By 1980, a third addition was needed to support the student body’s needs. Warren Kuhn, dean of library services at the time, led the charge as an advocate for library expansion and an increase in materials to support academic advancements. 

The third and final addition opened in 1983 ahead of the fall semester, bringing Parks’ total space to 325,488 square feet, now featuring a three-story glass atrium. 

On June 8, 1984, the library was officially named William Robert Parks and Ellen Sorge Parks Library in dedication to the university’s 11th president and his wife. William Parks was the longest-running president in Iowa State’s history, serving for 21 years. 

The couple has a portrait hanging on the first floor outside the Fireplace Reading Room. 

Aside from Parks’ portrait, the library is home to dozens of pieces of art, including work from Grant Wood, Christian Petersen and other native Iowan artists. 

As the home of Wood’s largest works, oil painting murals depict agriculture and engineering, inspired by majors found on campus. His murals can be found on the first floor and stairways leading to the upper rotunda. 

Sculptures by the first sculptor-in-residence, Petersen, also dot the library. Petersen’s “Old Women in Prayer” and “The Library Boy and Girl” limestone sculptures can be found on the first floor. 

In 2006, Bookends Café was added to Parks to provide snacks and beverages for studying students. Located on the first floor, this was the first dining option located in the library. 

Over time, the library has grown to support research and learning. In 2017, the tech lending program began, allowing students to check out different technologies. Between 2019 and 2024, updated study spaces were added, including a family-friendly room and individual study spaces. 

By early 2025, Cyclone Support Central opened, providing students the opportunity for free haircuts, resume reviews, flu shots and academic support. 

What began with a collection of 150,000 books has grown to 2.3 million physical items and access to over 2 million online books, journals and newspapers in its collection.