Z. Smith Reynolds Library

At a top academic institution like Wake Forest, an outstanding library is vital, and the Z. Smith Reynolds library (ZSR) is one of the best. Winner of the 2011 Excellence in Academic Libraries Award (basically the national championship of libraries), this state of the art structure is comprised of two wings (Reynolds and Wilson wings) and 8 floors of books. This behemoth of study is named after Zachary Smith Reynolds who died in 1932. “Zak” (as he is referred to by the many frequenters of ZSR) was big fan of planes and died a mysterious death on the porch of Reynolda House. Authorities did not know whether it was murder or suicide.

Originally, the library was the home of the University Theatre and classrooms. Named after Provost Emeritus Dr. Edwin G. Wilson, the Wilson Wing of ZSR provides much needed additional space for books and study. It was dedicated on February 6, 1992. What sets ZSR apart from other university libraries is the fact that students often want to be there. With the addition of a Starbucks, ZSR jumped from a place of pure academics to a place where students can study and hang out with friends. In 2010, ZSR officials and Campus Life combined forces to bring the popular game of Capture the Flag within the walls of ZSR (something not many other schools can claim). The following year, the popular game of Humans vs Zombies was played in ZSR (imagine: 100+ college students running around a library with Nerf shooters). “Wake the Library” during exams provides 24 hour access and ZSR administrators and staff serve food to hungry students at midnight. ZSR also has a vast selection of movies for check-out, a Writing Center, and a knowledgeable Reference staff to help you with all your research needs. The mission of the Z. Smith Reynolds Library is to help its students, faculty, and staff succeed. They do that.