In the early 1960s, library director Fr. Barnabas Reasoner, OSB approached the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto to design a new library building for the abbey. The architecture of the library reflects and shapes its spirit and purpose. The building's natural light illumines the multi-color bindings of the books which are offered on open stacks against a disciplined black and white background, softened by undulating curves and light colored wood. The structure, including three stories and a mezzanine, was completed in 1970. The entire library, with the exception of the bottom floor, is awash in natural light. (Adapted from the Mount Angel Abbey website)

In the early 1960s, library director Fr. Barnabas Reasoner, OSB approached the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto to design a new library building for the abbey. The architecture of the library reflects and shapes its spirit and purpose. The building's natural light illumines the multi-color bindings of the books which are offered on open stacks against a disciplined black and white background, softened by undulating curves and light colored wood. The structure, including three stories and a mezzanine, was completed in 1970. The entire library, with the exception of the bottom floor, is awash in natural light. (Adapted from the Mount Angel Abbey website)