Library Director's Office

The Director of Library Services is Beth Kumar

Contact: Caryl Woulfe, Assistant to the Director

Welcome to the GTU library!  The library houses one of the most extensive collection of theological materials in the western states.  In 1969, the nine schools of the Graduate Theological Union organized the library, when they began to pool their library resources in order to create a common research library.  The library building was designed by Louis Kahn, the "architect of light.”   Click here to discover more about the history of the library.

The library director’s office is responsible for all of the operations of the library, including its public and technical services.  In order to ensure that these services meet the changing needs of users, the library welcomes ideas and suggestions of students, faculty, alumni, member school staff, and community patrons.  The library staff is pleased to serve the GTU community and will do everything in their power to assist users in their study and research.  Please let us know how we are doing.

The library director’s office is also responsible for library events and programs, several of which are open to the public.  The library hosts an annual “Reading of the Sacred Texts” lecture and reception, art exhibitions, and other special programs and events.

Annual Library Lecture   The “Reading of the Sacred Texts” is the library’s premier lecture series. This annual event has been well-received by audiences for 25 years. Past speakers include internationally-known playwright Luis Valdez and acclaimed Hebrew Bible translator Robert Alter.

Art Exhibitions   Artists interested in displaying their work in the library should contact the Director of Library Services’office.

Special Library Exhibits   The display cases on the first floor come under the purview of the library director’s office.  When not used by artists, library staff arrange displays related to various topics in theology and religion. These exhibits often make use of rare library materials.

GTU Faculty Publications   The library periodically compiles a list of faculty publications. With over 100 faculty, and the largest doctoral program in the United States, this list is the best way to know what is being studied and published by GTU scholars in the fields of religion and theology.

To make a suggestion or to comment on library programs or services, e-mail Caryl Woulfe, Assistant to the Library Director.