The Warren Library
About
The Warren Library is an elegant architectural expression of how we see our University. It is a wonderful space filled with Florida sunshine that draws students to the books, publications, technology and one another. While there are places for solitary study, the overall atmosphere of the Warren Library encourages conversation and collaboration. The comfortable three-story, 86,000-square-foot facility provides Wi-Fi access throughout and houses more than 220,000 volumes (print and online), 127 computers, seating for 647 and 26 study rooms. Amenities include:
- Lassiter Rotunda — an expansive, three-story reading room of classic elegance
- Yeager Patio — second-floor patio on the east side of the Lassiter Rotunda, perfect for studying in the beautiful Florida sunshine
- Collaborative study spaces — with areas for individual or group study with computer access
- John D. MacArthur Café — a first-floor coffee shop/restaurant, operated by Einstein Bros. Bagels
- Casual Patio — first-floor patio off the café
- Center for Teaching Excellence — focusing on faculty development
- Center for Writing Excellence — focusing on improving writing skills
- University Archives & Special Collections
- Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Boardroom
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History of the Warren Library
Origins
Since the founding of Palm Beach Atlantic University in 1968, the mission of the library has been to be “the central learning space for the Palm Beach Atlantic community.” Originally the library was named after E.C. Blomeyer, the former chair of the board of what is now GTE Corporation. His wife originally donated $80,000 in her husband’s memory out of respect for Dr. Jess C. Moody, PBA’s founder and the former pastor of First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach. Mrs. Blomeyer also made gifts for additional library resources for many years to come.The library’s Lassiter Rotunda, dedicated in 2009, began as the church’s sanctuary in 1932, after the great hurricane of 1928 leveled most of West Palm Beach. The church was built after an enterprising group of men used bricks from places such as a saloon and bootlegger’s establishment that were damaged or destroyed in the hurricane.
Dr. Donald and Bebe Warren
The Warren Library, dedicated on Jan. 26, 2007, is named after longtime PBA supporters the late Dr. Donald Warren and his wife, Bebe. With their help, guidance and inspiration, the University undertook the $32-million project. During Phase 1, the old library was demolished to make way for the current, four-story, state-of-the-art facility. Read about Don Warren in Current Magazine.
Lassiter Rotunda
The Lassiter Rotunda is named after longtime PBA supporters Aneice and William G. Lassiter Jr. The $12-million renovation of the historic octagonal building, completed by the library’s contractor, the Weitz Company, included returning the structure to its 1932 grandeur. The steel roof was assembled on the ground and then was placed atop the structure with a crane. A cupola, 73 feet above ground, tops the building. The rotunda also features stained glass windows, designed by McMow Art Glass of Lake Worth, Florida.
Visit the Warren Library Website
Through the PBA Warren Library website, you can explore services, hours, bookings, announcments and more.
Senatorial Papers
In a speech to the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, Sen. George LeMieux (R-Fla.) announced that his senatorial papers and other memorabilia from his 16 months of service in the U.S. Senate will be archived in Palm Beach Atlantic University's Warren Library.
Digital Exhibits
Warren Library Digital Exhibits provides access to selected collections of digitized materials from the University Archives and Special Collections.
Faculty Finder
Learn more about Palm Beach Atlantic University's expert librarians.
The Warren Library is at the heart of campus life and is the key place for research and writing. Our state of the art, spacious, and bright building was designed to facilitate both contemplative study and scholarly collaboration. I personally invite you to come and experience the Warren Library. John Doncevic
Director of the Warren Library, University Librarian
Donate to the Warren Library
Palm Beach Atlantic University exists today because of the generosity of people who caught the vision first enunciated by Dr. Jess Moody, Dr. Donald Warren and Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. in the mid-1960s. Others have come since, and made that vision part of the mission of their lives and legacy through generous gifts to PBA. Join the vision and give today!