April 28, 2025
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Picture This: Hannon Library celebrates 20th anniversary

Carved entirely from a single 53-year-old alder tree, local artist Russell Beebe originally donated this statue to the city of Ashland in 2006. It was formerly located where Lithia Way and North Main Street merge. The 19-foot tall, 3,000-pound statue was relocated to Hannon Library in 2013. Ashland.news photo by Bob Palermini
March 23, 2025

Expanded, renovated Southern Oregon University library fully opened in 2005

Hannon family members joined with Southern Oregon University officials, faculty, staff, students and member of the public Thursday, March 13, to mark the 20th anniversary of Hannon Libary. According to the history of the library on its website, on May 18, 2005, newly completed Hannon Library was officially dedicated. On hand were Michael Gorman, President-elect of the American Library Association and Bruce R. James, the Public Printer of the United States and head of the Government Printing Office. James came in recognition of Hannon Library’s receipt of the 2004 Depository Library of the Year Award. Other dignitaries included Southern Oregon University President Elisabeth Zinser, Sid DeBoer, CEO of Lithia Motors, George Pernsteiner, Acting OUS Chancellor, and Lenn Hannon.

Current and past SOU leaders joined with two Hannon daughters and their families for a photo before the celebration program began. Ashland.news photo by Bob Palermini
SOU President Rick Bailey welcomed everyone who gathered to celebrate the 122,830-square-foot library that opened in stages from 2003-2005. The library’s name was changed in 2004 to the Lenn and Dixie Hannon Library in recognition of the contributions to Oregon made by Senator Lenn and Dixie Hannon. Hannon led the process to secure $20 million of the $23 million cost of the project in state bonding. Ashland.news photo by Bob Palermini
Carrie Forbes, Dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies and the University Library (at the podium), opened the program with a brief history of the library. Ashland.news photo by Bob Palermini
Rebecca Buck (formerly Hannon), daughter of Lenn and Dixie Hannon, spoke for the family at the anniversary celebration. Ashland.news photo by Bob Palermini
Elisabeth Zinzer was president of Southern Oregon University while the library was being built and opened. She reflected on her experience working with the architects, contractors and the workers who built the library. Ashland.news photo by Bob Palermini
In the special collections reading room, there were a number of the library’s prized possessions on display, including William Shakespeare’s second and fourth folios which were available for a close look by visitors. Ashland.news photo by Bob Palermini
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Bert Etling

Bert Etling is the executive editor of Ashland.news. Email him at [email protected].
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