Founders Library

Founders Library is an academic library on Howard University's campus featuring Georgian architecture, red brick walls, and a distinctive clock tower. The building houses more than one million volumes, digital databases, and specialized research facilities spread across the university quadrangle.

The library opened in 1939 after Congress appropriated one million dollars for its construction to replace the earlier Carnegie Library facility. This federal investment established a modern academic center for the university.

The Moorland-Spingarn Research Center houses extensive collections that document African American experiences and the global African diaspora. Visitors can explore materials that reflect the stories and achievements of Black communities across America and the world.

Students and researchers can access reading rooms, research assistance, and digital resources during the academic year. The building is centrally located within the university quadrangle and easily accessible to visitors.

The clock tower serves as a landmark visible from many parts of Washington DC and helps orient people across the city. This distinctive feature has made the building a visual symbol recognized throughout the area.

Location: Virginia

Inception: 1939

Part of: Howard University Libraries

Website: http://library.howard.edu/founderslibrary

GPS coordinates: 38.92231,-77.01972

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:01