Linda Hall Library of Science, Engineering, and Technology

Established in 1946 through a six-million-dollar gift from Herbert and Linda Hall, this independent science research library includes an arboretum. Both the grounds and the library are open to the public. One of the largest science libraries in the United States, the collection began with the acquisition of the library of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1946. The availability and decision to acquire this collection shaped the direction of the library, which now also holds a sizable collection from the Franklin Institute and the Engineering Societies Library. The library holds over two million items, including a quarter million patents and records of leading scientific organizations. The collection is the largest of any private STEM-centered library in North America that is open to the public and is known for its collections related to the history of science and technology.

Originally from Maine, Herbert Hall got his first job working in a grain elevator in Chapman, Kansas. He later went on to co-found the Hall-Robinson Grain Company in 1887. Throughout his fifty-year career, he became one of the leading grain exporters in the United States and amassed more wealth for himself than most Kansans could dream of. He and Linda Southall, who were from Virginia, married in Kansas City in 1885. The two had no children and used much of their considerable wealth to support local philanthropy. Linda donated significant amounts to local hospitals to help women and children.

Linda died in 1938, establishing in her will an endowment for a specialized free library. Upon his death in 1941, Mr. Hall, who was by that point rumored to be the second richest man in Kansas City, left millions to Linda's library fund, instructing it to be named for her. The library opened in 1946 and moved to a new building in the same location in 1964.

Today, the Linda Hall Library is internationally recognized for its science, engineering, and technology collection, serving researchers around the world. Despite being located on UMKC grounds, the library is not a part of the university; instead, it is independently funded and operated. Also on the library grounds is a small urban arboretum, which contains many varieties of trees and native plants.

Upon entering the library, visitors are greeted by a malachite tazza that was a gift to the American Ambassador to Russia from Czar Nicholas II in 1910. Helen Spencer discovered that this rare work had entered the private market and purchased it as a gift for Linda Hall Library. Additional treasures include a mid-19th century grandfather's clock that was designed by James Kenmuir, a hand-woven rug produced for a palace in China, and busts of famous scientists.

Our Story, Linda Hall Library. Accessed July 27th 2022. https://www.lindahall.org/about/our-story.

Wolff, Christopher. A Pearl of Great Value: The History of UMKC, Kansas City’s University. Kansas City, Missouri. UMKC Alumni Association, 2016.

History of the Linda Hall Library, Linda Hall Library. Accessed September 9th, 2022. https://libguides.lindahall.org/c.php?g=218603&p=1444309.

Linda Hall Library Guides, History of Linda Hall Library: Special Furnishings. Accessed October 4th, 2023. https://libguides.lindahall.org/c.php?g=218603&p=1444340.