Library - Learning Resource Center

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Special Collections & Exhibits

Senator Sam J. Ervin, Jr., Library and Museum

Housed in the Phifer Learning Resources Center Library, the Senator Sam J. Ervin, Jr. Library and Museum includes books, correspondence, photos, documents, professional and family memorabilia, original political cartoons from the Watergate era, awards, and other materials collected by Senator Ervin during his many years of public service.  A 20-minute video presentation "Just a Country Lawyer" illustrates the life and career of Senator Ervin.  The goal of the Library/Museum is to provide scholars and students with a wide range of resource information concerning the life of Senator Ervin, the United States Constitution, Constitutional and political history with emphasis on the Watergate era, and U.S. and North Carolina legal and general history.

Visit the Ervin Library and Museum website.

The Raymond B. Goodfellow Art Gallery

The Raymond B. Goodfellow Gallery opened in 2006, as a venue to exhibit the works of faculty, students and regional artists.  It was named for beloved art teacher, Dean and Vice President, Raymond Goodfellow.  The gallery has had a variety of shows, including paintings, photographs and textiles.  New exhibits are showcased 3 to 4 times per year.

The Dr. Jean C. Ervin Mark Twain Collection

Also housed in the Phifer Learning Resources Center Library, this collection, donated by the noted Twain scholar, and sister of Senator Ervin, consists of over 350 books and many collectibles.  The collection of books written by and about Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) was collected over a fifty-year period with the oldest dating from the 1870's.  The collectibles are comprised of figurines, plates, comics, etc. depicting famous scenes from Twain's beloved books.  Many of the limited edition figurines are based on illustrations by Norman Rockwell, the famous American illustrator.

The Grace DiSanto Poetry Collection

This comprehensive collection of the award-winning Morganton poet's work, along with biographical material on her life, is available in a public-access area.  Anyone wishing to view the materials at this time should ask the library staff for assistance.

**Although materials in the Senator Sam J. Ervin Jr. Library and Museum, the Dr. Jean C. Ervin Mark Twain Collection, and the Grace DiSanto Poetry Collection are non-circulating; a comfortable private reading and study room is provided for students, scholars, and the general public who wish to explore these unique collections.