Our History

WNMU’s library was established in its own dedicated space in 1896 with the completion of the Normal School Building (Old Main), the first structure on the Silver City campus. The library occupied the third floor, sharing the space with the gymnasium. Over the years, the library moved to several locations across campus, including Light Hall and Fleming Hall. 

The current library building, located at the top of the hill on 10th Street, was constructed in 1957 on the former site of Old Main. In 1962, the new library was renamed the J. Cloyd Miller Library in honor of J. Cloyd Miller, who served as president of the university from 1952 to 1962. 

Miller Library underwent major renovations in 1967 and 1975, followed by another significant renovation in 1997. During the 1997 renovation, a third floor was added and the library was connected to the Student Memorial Building. 

In addition to serving Western New Mexico University students, faculty, and staff, the library has supported the research and informational needs of the broader Grant County community since the early 20th century. Before the establishment of the Silver City Public Library, Miller Library served as the primary library for residents of Grant County. 

By 1910, the library collection consisted of around 5,000 books, many donated by President Charles Light.  In 1912, staff created the library’s first card catalog; in 1991, the conversion to an electronic catalog began.  From a collection of approximately 5,000 books in 1910, the library’s resources have grown to include more than 140,000 print books, 270,000 e-books, and library databases providing online access to more than a million journal articles, videos and audiobooks.