Dunn Library

From spotting Fake News to citing your resources, our how-to guides are a fast and easy resource for research best practices.

Need to find something specific on the web? Not sure where to start when browsing for materials? Our librarians know Dunn inside and out, and they're always ready to help you navigate the stacks and the internet. We also share library research methods in classes and with small groups. 

We're home to a wide variety of academic materials, including newly published, special collections and archives. If we don't have what you're looking for, we have partnerships with libraries across the world to get you the materials you need. 

Mission and Vision

Dunn Library enhances the Simpson learning experience through collections, expertise, partnerships and research spaces that inspire the community to achieve academic and personal discovery.

Dunn Library leads Simpson College in the development of a confident information literate community for a journey of life-long learning. 

The library was completed in 1964 and named in honor of Rex A. Dunn, a Simpson alumnus. A major remodel was completed in 2023; the building reopened in 2024.  The first floor houses The Center for Academic Resources (CARs), TRiO Student Support Services, the Teacher Education Department, and the Curriculum Lab. The second floor includes the Research Assistance Center, Library Services desk, and physical collections (books, journals, scores, and DVDs); e-books, e-journals and many e-resources are available through the library’s website. Special Collections houses an Antebellum South collection, along with Asian art books and the Lehmann Collection of Ancient Pottery. Dunn also features group study rooms, individual carrels, and other collaborative spaces. The third floor includes quiet collaborative spaces and the Walt Research Library & Simpson College Archives. The first library building, the Carnegie Library located by Mary Berry Hall, was completed in 1907 with Carnegie funds and was taken down in June 2014.