Spear Library-Laboratory As work continues on the new science complex (September 2002), the College Archives presents a series of photographs and a number of articles concerning the history of the teaching of science at Oberlin College.

Spear Library was the gift of Mr. Charles C. Spear, of Pittsfield, Mass. It was named in honor of the donor, who also established an endowment fund of $11,000 for the purchase of books, this fund being known as the Relief Holbrook Fund, in memory of the donor's wife, Mrs. Relief Holbrook Spear. From 1885 to 1908 the main use of this building was for college library purposes; but after the removal of the library to the New Carnegie Library in the summer of 1908, it was remodeled for the department of Zoology. Spear Library-Laboratory was located on the east side of the campus near the center. It was torn down by the College in the fall of 1927 to clear the campus of buildings, in accordance with the contract with the Trustees of the Hall Estate. (more information…)