George A. Smathers Libraries

Honoree

George A. Smathers

A native of Miami, George A. Smathers was an excellent student, debater and athlete. While at the University of Florida, he was president of the student body, captain of the basketball team, president of the debate team, member of the Florida Blue Key and member of the John Marshall Society of the Phi Delta legal fraternity. After a brief career as an assistant U.S. district attorney, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. During his two terms in the house, Smathers was selected one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of America.

In 1950, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served three terms until his voluntary retirement in 1969. As a U.S. Senator, George A. Smathers distinguished himself for leadership in the areas of taxations, finance and foreign affairs. He was known as the “Senator from Latin America.”

In 1991, the successful attorney and investor became the largest single benefactor in the history of the University of Florida. On May 1, 1991, the University of Florida Libraries were named the “George A. Smathers Libraries” in his honor.

Facility History

The University Library was the largest campus building when it opened in October 1926. It was the last building designed by University of Florida’s first architect, William A. Edwards. When the neighboring Library West opened in 1967, this building was renamed Library East. The entire UF library system was renamed in 1991 in honor of UF benefactor George Smathers.

A feature of the large Reading Room is a mural titled “The History of Learning in Florida,” by Hollis Holbrook.