Gertrude Kistler Memorial Library
BUILT: 1926
HISTORY: The library was built as a gift from Mr. & Mrs. Sedgwick Kistler in memory of their 12-year-old daughter who had been a student in the Holy Child School, St. Leonard’s Academy. The plan called for a one-story building with a small mezzanine and a full basement, to be used as the college chapel — a role it fulfilled until 1941.
By 1934, the growing college needed more library space. Again, the Kistlers stepped forward to finance a new wing, the portion which has the main entrance today. Mr. & Mrs. Kistler both died in 1952. They left the greater part of their estate to Rosemont College. This was put towards another enlargement of the library. This time two wings were added. The new addition was dedicated in the fall of 1954. In 2010, there were renovations on the first floor for an Information Commons, dedicated to Sister Helen Mary Weisbrod, SHCJ.
INITIAL ARCHITECTS: Magaziner, Eberhard, and Harris
1934 ADDITION - ARCHITECT/BUILDER: George I. Lovatt/John McShain
1954 ADDITION - ARCHITECT/BUILDER: Gleeson & Mulroney/ John McShain
2010 RENOVATION - ARCHITECT/BUILDER: Kimmel Borgrette Architecture + Site, Inc. / Nason Construction Company
