Douglas Library, Kingston

Douglas Library, nestled at the southeast corner of University Avenue and Union Street in Kingston, is one of Queen’s University’s most iconic buildings and a cornerstone of its academic life. Opened in 1924, this stately limestone structure originally served as the university’s main library and administrative hub, even housing the offices of the Principal and senior officials until Richardson Hall took over that role in 1954.

Architecturally, the library is a blend of neo-Gothic grandeur and practical evolution. The original southern half, faced with Kingston limestone, dates back to its opening. The northern addition, built in 1966 using Queenston limestone, mirrors the style but expands downward as well—with three underground levels. Together, these sections form a landmark steeped in both tradition and adaptation.

Douglas Library’s role has shifted significantly over time. What began as a central repository for the university’s entire book collection gradually transformed. As separate faculty and departmental libraries sprang up in the 1960s and 70s, Douglas became a social sciences and humanities hub, complete with a periodicals room, administrative offices, and a Special Collections unit.

A major shift came in 1994 when Douglas Library closed for renovations following the opening of Stauffer Library. It reopened in 1997 as the Engineering and Science Library, uniting several departmental collections. In 1999, the W.D. Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections and Music Library was added, along with restored top-floor reading rooms featuring stained-glass windows.

Named after James Douglas, Queen’s Chancellor (1915–1918), the library blends historic charm with modern function. Though a campus legend claims it was built backward, the grand east entrance once faced a student park and was always meant to impress. Today, Douglas Library remains a key hub for research, rare books, and quiet study at Queen’s.