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.

08/13/2026

We can’t wait for you to come check out the new Distinctive collections and Archives area! 🕯️📖

08/11/2026

No bad angles when you’re this iconic! 📚✨

07/29/2026

There’s no place like Rolvaag 📚🌼

07/09/2026

POV: your camera roll if you were in love with Rolvaag Memorial Library 📖🕯️❤️

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!!

Address

1510 Saint Olaf Avenue
Northfield, MN
55057

Telephone

+15077863224

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