William Hessel

Mr. Hessel was the library's first Dean and director. When Mr. Hessel started working at the Benton Harbor Community College and Technical Institute Library in 1957, it held only 3000 books with no card catalog or periodicals.

Since then, the library has grown to over 70,000 books, moved into new facilities, and has become a library of distinction.

William Hessel was also a supporter of the arts and was deeply involved in the community.

"Bill Hessel exemplified a love of learning and dedication to making knowledge available to students," LMC Board Chairman Steven Silcox said in a statement. "We feel that naming this great resource in his honor is the right thing to do."