Covenant News

North Park University Dedicates Brandel Library

CHICAGO, IL (October 5, 2001) - The Paul W. and Bernice P. Brandel Library was formally dedicated this afternoon, the newest structural addition to the North Park University campus.

During a luncheon preceding the 3:30 p.m. dedication, Bernice Brandel was presented a framed artistic rendition of the new library building by Dr. David G. Horner, North Park president, and LeRoy M. Johnson, President Emeritus of Covenant Trust Company and a close advisor to the Brandels over the years. The accompanying photo shows (from left) Horner, Bernice Brandel and Johnson.

"We are most thankful to you for your generosity," Horner said in praising project donors present for the luncheon. He likened fund-raising for the $40 million project to a pyramid, noting the importance of building a broad base that includes thousands of donors, but also acknowledging the importance of the relatively small list of major donors who provide the bulk of the funding. Bernice Brandel provided the lead major gift that is credited with creating the momentum for a successful fund-raising effort.

"This is a day the Lord has made," Mrs. Brandel said in response to Horner's praise. "Let us rejoice and be glad in it. That is the way to celebrate this day." She paid special tribute to two North Park professors, Drs. John Weborg and Klyne Snodgrass, for their work with exchange students. The accompanying photo shows Mrs. Brandel with (from left) Snodgrass, Weborg and Dr. Glenn Palmberg, president of the Evangelical Covenant Church.

She thanked all contributors, closing her remarks with a moving and very personal reference to her late husband, Paul Brandel. "My last 'thank you' will be to Paul for teaching me the joy of giving," Mrs. Brandel said with an upward glance and a tear in her eye. "I like to think he is looking down with approval, for libraries meant so much to him."

The program was introduced by Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson, senior vice president, who credited Mrs. Brandel's lead gift with inspiring the project and encouraging the staff. She also praised Paul Brandel's generous spirit and vision. Others participating in the program included Chicago Alderman Margaret Laurino, in whose district a major portion of the campus is located; Stanley F. Helwig, chair of the North Park Board of Trustees and co-chair of the Faith in our Future fund-raising campaign; Dr. Timothy E. Johnson, co-chair of the Leadership Gifts Committee; and Sonia E. Bodi, director of the new library facility.

The new library houses 499,200 items, including 221,000 volumes. It maintains a collection of 1,197 periodicals and journals, as well as 2,640 electronic journals. The library also is home to several special collections, including Jenny Lind and the archives of the Evangelical Covenant Church and the Swedish American Historical Association.

And as a further indication that a new day in library services has dawned, browsers will not find the familiar index card catalog. That, too, has joined the modern age of computers.

The new facility includes 13 small group study rooms, five large group study areas and can seat 387 individuals. The 13-member staff keeps the facility open 98 hours per week.

For more photos from the event, visit Brandel Library

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