"Beware the man of one book" St. Thomas Aquinas

When St Martin's College of Lacey, WA chose architect Michael Graves to create the new O'Grady Library, they boldly sailed into the future. Graves represents a solid departure from the old institutional Modernist tradition. Believing that minimalist constructions of concrete and steel alienate people from their own space, Graves has sought to reintroduce more classical analogies between humans and nature

The O'Grady Library is a stunning achievement. A true jewel in the crown of the campus of St. Martin's College. From the intellegent use of red brick on the facade of the building to the symmetry of the co;umns, here is a post-modern Palladian masterpiece come to life. Sited for maximum visibility, the structure beckons the user into a quiet ambience.

The interior of the building matches the majesty of the exterior. A centralized dome organizes the space with great attention paid to light and form. Study rooms, reader carrels, periodical shelves, and book stacks aree all arranged with an emphasis toward reading and thought. The Library has a few choice examples of the "Northwest School" from the Abbey's Collection.Mark Tobey, Paul Horuchi, Morris Graves, and Gordon Gilkey grace the walls with their quiet presence. This place is conducive for reflection and learning