St. Olaf Libraries

St. Olaf Libraries Rolvaag Library and Halvorson Music Library are the vibrant homes to hundreds of thousands of resources (millions if you're counting e-materials!) at St. Mr.

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.

Happy Cookies for Finals Day! We hope that everyone enjoyed their cookies and wish you the best of luck on your exams! ...
05/14/2026

Happy Cookies for Finals Day! We hope that everyone enjoyed their cookies and wish you the best of luck on your exams!

05/08/2026

A St. Olaf student’s favorite study spots in the library!

April showers bring AANHPI Heritage Month flowers!
05/01/2026

April showers bring AANHPI Heritage Month flowers!

04/13/2026

Did you find the golden egg this Easter in the Library?

Welcome back to a new semester! The library tram wishes you a really successful first day!
02/05/2026

Welcome back to a new semester! The library tram wishes you a really successful first day!

Sant-On event happening in 15 minutes!!! Stop by and meet Santa!!
12/09/2025

Sant-On event happening in 15 minutes!!! Stop by and meet Santa!!

11/20/2025

If you love the land, read the people of the land. 🌏

Book recommendations for the Native American Heritage Month curated just for you! Check out more recommendations by the library front desk and Happy Reading! 📚🤓✨

Head to the library and check out this week’s whiteboard question! What’s your favorite Halloween movie??! 🎬🎃👻
10/29/2025

Head to the library and check out this week’s whiteboard question! What’s your favorite Halloween movie??! 🎬🎃👻

This Thursday we will be celebrating recent work of staff and faculty in the Reference Room! Stop by during community ti...
04/29/2025

This Thursday we will be celebrating recent work of staff and faculty in the Reference Room! Stop by during community time and grab some cake 🍰🎉

Stop by this Friday afternoon and get creative! The perfect opportunity to make something special for Mother’s Day 💌💐
04/22/2025

Stop by this Friday afternoon and get creative! The perfect opportunity to make something special for Mother’s Day 💌💐

Join us this coming Monday for Easter fun in Rolvaag! We’ll have eggs available until they’re all found, stop by and gra...
04/17/2025

Join us this coming Monday for Easter fun in Rolvaag! We’ll have eggs available until they’re all found, stop by and grab some while you can 🐣🍬☀️

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1510 Saint Olaf Avenue
Northfield, MN
55057

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