1959-1970

The Homuth Memorial Library was dedicated to Elmer and Lydia Homuth of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. This was the original construction of the library that stands here today. It wouldn't have been possible without the generous donation of $100,000 from Elmer and Lydia Homuth.

The total cost of construction for the Homuth Memorial Library cost $293,000. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, that would be equivalent to about $3,000,000 in 2024. Elmer and Lydia Homuth's donation would be equivalent to about $1,000,000 today.

1970-1998

This addition was named after the eighth president of Wartburg College, August Engelbrecht. Originally born in Germany, he came to the United States in 1873. Engelbrecht graduated Wartburg College in 1882 and came back as a professor in 1890. He continued working at Wartburg for forty-four years. Due to his decades of service to the college, the newly enlarged library was named to honor him.

The total renovation of Homuth Memorial Library into Engelbrecht Library cost $926,000. Which would be equivalent to, that would be roughly $7,400,000 in 2024.

1998-Present

The most recent renovation of the library, started in May of 1998, lasted for 15 months and was named in honor of Robert and Sally Vogel. Both Robert and Sally graduated from Wartburg in 1956 and 1957 respectively. Robert served as Wartburg's fourteenth president and increased enrollment by more than fifty percent. He focused efforts in promoting diversity and multicultural experiences for students, faculty, and staff. Sally planned and hosted many events for the college and hosted many community groups and dignitaries. She was Wartburg's ambassador and a member of the Waverly Historic Preservation Commission.

The total renovation cost to create the Vogel addition to the library cost $8,600,000, about $16,700,000 in 2024.

To learn more about the Vogel Library and the many changes between 1999 and 2024, see our virtual tour!