Olaf College in Northfield, MN. Learn more about Rolvaag Library and Halvorson Music Library below:
About the Rolvaag Library: Rolvaag Library is named for Ole E. Rølvaag (1876-1931), novelist, educator, St. Olaf graduate, and father of Karl Rølvaag, Governor of Minnesota. A Norwegian immigrant, Rølvaag is best know for two novels, I de dage (1924) and Riket gundlæges (1925). These two works, the
story of Norwegian immigrant and pioneer Per Hansa, were translated into English as Giants in the Earth in 1927. Although completed in 1942, Rolvaag Memorial Library remained without a name until 1944. Advocates for Rølvaag encountered concern among those who objected to the "sordid" realism of his novels and his criticism of the cultural sensibilities of some Lutheran clergy. (Shaw, Dear Old Hill, p. 142) The Felland wing (1966) provided additional stack space and quarters for the Norwegian American Historical Society (NAHA). The Dittmanson wing (1991) added more stack and study space. Renovation of the original building accompanied the construction of Dittmanson. About the Halvorson Music Library: The Halvorson Music Library is named for Mr. and Mrs. Henry M. Halvorson. Henry Halvorson (Class of 1925) taught music, history, and literature in Minnesota schools before joining the publishing firm of Ginn and Company in Boston. He directed the music department there and edited a complete set of elementary music textbooks. Halvorson became Vice President of Ginn and Company, and later served as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He was a member of the Board of Regents of St. Olaf College from 1964-1980. The generosity of Mr. Halvorson, along with their keen interest in music and in St. Olaf College, made this music library building possible, to the great and lasting benefit of the St. Olaf community.
