From a beginning donation of 500 books in 1944 from the Webber Street Church of Christ (Urbana, IL) the Jessie C. Eury Library has grown to a collection of 185,000 items, making it one of the largest libraries among the independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ. In addition, it is also the largest theological library between Chicago and St. Louis
Jessie Catherine Eury (1906-1988), a native of Lincoln, Illinois, served Lincoln Christian College and Seminary as Dean of Women, Choir Director, Bookstore Manager, and Librarian. In addition, she served Lincoln Christian Church for 42 years as a teacher in the children's department and for 35 years as church organist.
Miss Eury served as Librarian at the College and Seminary from 1944 until her retirement in 1980. From an initial donation of 500 books, she built the Library into one of the finest collections in the Restoration Movement.
In May of 1976 the trustees of the College and Seminary, in recognition of her unique ministry and in appreciation of her selfless service, named the Library in her honor.
After Miss Eury, Dr. Thomas M. Tanner served as Library Director from 1980-1994. From 1994-2021, Nancy J. Olson served as the Library Director of the Jessie C. Eury Library.
