The original library for Radford Normal School was in Founders Hall. By the 1930s it was obvious that a separate and larger library was needed, so McConnell Library was built. The new building was started in 1931 with a budget of $43,000 and completed during the 1931-32 year. Students carried books into the newly constructed building as can be seen in this photo, which is part of Laura Nolan's "An Illustrated History 1913-1976" of Radford College.