Anschutz library, or as most students call it, “Club Schutz” is one of the most popular places to study on campus. Walk through the double doors and you are greeted by a friendly smile from the help desk. Sitting straight ahead of you, you will find the computer area. That coffee you smell comes from the mini-café to your left. Just around the corner of the café is “TanSchutz,” where students can lounge in front of large uncovered windows with the sun beaming down on their faces while they study or sometimes even catch a snooze. Anschutz, as you can see, is much more than your average university library. It is so much more.

Anschutz first opened its doors on October 7, 1989, when it was formally presented to Chancellor Budig. A dedication ceremony was held where Philip Anschutz spoke on behalf of the Anschutz family.

Philip Anschutz, a KU alumnus, who is the founder of AEG (Anschutz Entertainment Group), graduated from KU in 1961 with a degree in business administration. Anschutz and his wife Nancy donated $6.5 million dollars to the $13.9 million construction of the library. Because of his generous contribution, Chancellor Budig allowed Anschutz the honor of naming the building. Anschutz decided on the “Marian and Fred Anschutz Science Library” to honor both of his parents, who were also big donors to the university.

Robert Szavo, the Anschutz Operations Manager has been working at Anschutz for 12 years. His favorite part of his job is the people. When asked to describe the building, he described it as one of the more modern buildings on campus.

Anschutz Library has five stories, 92,000 square feet, a limestone exterior and a red-tiled roof. There are many large windows surrounding the building shining light onto the main floor. Anschutz is also the only library on campus that is open 24 hours Sunday through Friday to give students a place to go on their own schedule. Not only is it a place for students to study, but with “group study” tables it can be a place to socialize with friends while procrastinating on homework, or a place to people watch and observe your surroundings. Anschutz is so much more than your typical library.

At the dedication ceremony for the building, Chancellor Budig said that Anschutz library “represents our commitment to the future.” As a student almost 24 years later, I am seeing that commitment continue, and hope that someday when my children come here they will appreciate it just as I do now.