Preserving a campus icon: BGSU seeks to restore cherished Jerome Library mural

As the largest piece of public artwork on campus, the Jerome Library mural is set to be restored in April 2025

By Branden Ferguson

For nearly 60 years, the William T. Jerome Library at Bowling Green State University has towered as an iconic landmark with its signature mural spanning nine stories.

Encompassing the entire east and west side of the Jerome Library, ranked the 11th best college library in the nation, the mural was created by renowned BGSU artist-in-residence Donald Drumm after being commissioned in the summer of 1966. Visible for miles away, Drumm's celebrated design embraces his unique style of shaping cast aluminum and contemporary materials into art.

To ensure the Jerome Library's cherished mural – the largest piece of public artwork at BGSU – remains recognizable and viable for years to come, the University has launched a full restoration project to preserve the well-known campus feature for future generations, with work set to begin in April 2025.

“The William T. Jerome Library Mural Restoration Project goes beyond a basic paint touch-up and cleaning,” said Sara Bushong, dean of University Libraries. “Focused on preservation of the mural, the project will include repairing cracks, stabilizing loose paint, applying protective sealants to guard against environmental damage and ensuring the mural stays vibrant and well-preserved for the future.”

First opened in 1967, the Jerome Library today houses more than 7 million books as well as digital resources. The library is also home to the acclaimed Browne Popular Culture Library and the Music Library and Bill Schurk Sound Archives and serves as a popular campus study and collaboration space.

History

As part of an effort to beautify campus, former BGSU President William T. Jerome III focused on improving buildings and spaces by adding art and the forthcoming central library was identified as a perfect fit.

Ground was broken in 1965 with the help of President Jerome, Ohio Gov. Jim Rhodes and Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor John D. Millett. The towering structure would be built over the next two years with the capacity to hold 640,000 books and provide seating for 2,300 people. A unique feature of the library at the time included the use of general stacks that allowed people to browse and select their own books.

“When the library was being built, it was funded by the state of Ohio,” Bushong said. “Part of the agreement was to include a piece of public art into the design, and it just so happened that BGSU had an artist-in-residence at that time.”

Serving as the first artist-in-residence at BGSU from 1965-71, Drumm was tasked by the University to create a new mural for the library after designing works for the former Saddlemire Student Services building and the current Psychology and Education buildings. Using a non-objective design, the Akron-based artist used concrete, paint and sandblasting to create the design seen today.

“Public art has the unique power to connect communities and inspire creativity in everyone who experiences it," Drumm said. "The Jerome Library mural stands as a testament to the enduring impact of art in public spaces. This restoration will preserve the mural’s beauty and reaffirm its role in sparking imagination and bringing people together for generations to come.”

A library of today and the future

As the No. 1 public university in Ohio for student experience and opportunities, BGSU is dedicated to providing supportive learning facilities that elevate education.

As part of that commitment, the nationally ranked Jerome Library has adapted over the years to support student success with comprehensive resources and collaborative space to study and gather.

In addition to academic resources, the library today includes indoor and outdoor study areas, a convenience store and spaces featuring state-of-the-art technology for presentations and project preparation.

“The library has come a long way from its initial purpose," Bushong said. "While it continues to provide access to materials and study rooms, it also continues to evolve with changes in technologies and the needs of students and society. Today, students use collaboration spaces, embrace academic support and tutoring and participate in health and well-being activities, including yoga and visiting therapy dogs.

While students can still find quiet study places and individual rooms, many of our students enjoy the ability to collaborate and work together. Students love the ability to talk with one another and use the whiteboards to brainstorm ideas. There's a place for everyone at the library."

BGSU University Libraries invites alumni and members of the learning and greater community to make a gift to support the restoration of the prominent mural. All contributions, no matter the amount, will play a pivotal role in preserving a significant part of campus history. Gifts for the Jerome Library Mural Restoration Project can made at BGSU.edu/library.mural.

"With an eye toward building the academic library of the future at BGSU, philanthropic gifts will support not only the mural restoration on the external facade but also the planned interior phase of enhancements to the Jerome Library," Bushong said. "This campaign offers the unique opportunity to honor the legacy of the Jerome Library and the life’s work of renowned artist Donald Drumm, while building the academic library of the future and cementing the location as the academic heart of campus."

Interior phase enhancements, which are being finalized, may include a new skylight and modernized lighting to showcase the internal view of the mural, enhanced exhibit spaces to feature works of public art within the facility, including a new Drumm piece, replication of Drumm's artistic style on interior walls to connect the internal and external space and modernized spaces in support of the academic success of students.

“The Jerome Library mural is a cherished part of our campus, representing the creativity and history that bind our community together. This restoration project is an opportunity for our alumni and friends to unite in preserving this legacy, ensuring that it continues to inspire and resonate with future generations,” Bushong said.

Both projects are set to be completed by November 2025.