Thrift Library supports Anderson University’s mission by:
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Providing access to an ordered collection of knowledge that supports Anderson University’s academic programs.
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Facilitating the discovery of new knowledge through systematic research.
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Fostering the development of self-directed, lifelong learners through multiple literacies.
In 2007, the University completed what was then the largest single-phase building project in its history as the $7.5 million Thrift Library building opened to students. The multipurpose building contains over 50,000 square feet of space and includes the library, Books & Beans coffee shop, Vandiver Art Gallery, Anderson Central, Center for Student Success, Writing and Multimedia Center, post office, the information technology department, several classrooms and conference rooms, and a music lab.
Thrift Library’s collection contains over 72,000 physical volumes, more than 1.8 million ebooks, and approximately 200 electronic research, reference, and subject-specific databases that provide access to countless scholarly journals, periodicals, ebooks, digital images, and audio and video recordings. Thrift Library’s collections are greatly enhanced by resource sharing and collaborative licensing of digital resources through its membership in the state’s academic library consortium, PASCAL (Partnership among South Carolina Academic Libraries), reciprocal borrowing agreements with Atla and Association of Christian Librarians, and partnership with the Anderson County Library System.
During fall and spring semesters, the library is open every day of the week, 89.5 hours per week. It is open for 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, during the summer months. The library has open seating available for 176 students and 9 reservable study rooms with seating for groups of 6-12 students. There are 18 desktop computers (6 Apple Mac and 12 Dell PC), five reference computers, three black and white printers, and one color copier/printer available for student use. Wireless internet access is available throughout the Thrift Library building for students to connect their Anderson University-issued iPads and personal devices. Students are allowed to eat and drink (preferably from containers with lids) in the library as long as it is not disruptive for others or creates a mess.
Thrift Library’s professional librarians provide instruction for groups and individuals covering such topics as (but not limited to) the research process, how to access the library’s resources, citation styles, plagiarism, and copyright issues. Librarians are available to work with students in person and via phone, email, and video conference. The library’s digital resources and a live chat service with professional librarians are available online 24/7.
Thrift Library is named for Sam and Tom Thrift. You can read their story in the Fall 2023 AU Magazine article, "Sam & Tom Thrift" by Beth Friend.
Watercolor image created by, purchased from, and granted permission to use by AU alumna Meg Sanders.