Elgin Community College’s new library was recently named after Gilbert I. Renner – the college’s first president.

The Renner Academic Library and Learning Resources opened earlier this month on the campus. The $21.5 million, 59,000-square-foot facility is part of an ongoing $178 million long term capital project.

Late last year, the college’s Board of Trustees voted to name the new building after Renner, who was president from 1950 to 1971. He also was the college’s second dean.

“He would be deeply honored to be associated with this community,” Renner’s son Richard Renner said in a released statement.

Naming the new library after Renner continues a tradition of including his name on campus, officials said. Renner Hall in downtown Elgin was ECC’s first home. When the college moved to its present location in 1970, the library in the Student Resource Center was named the Renner Learning Resources Center.

Besides offering more space than the previous 18,000-square-foot library, the new building has 14 study rooms, three large classrooms, more than 120 computers, a quiet computer lab and a two-story reading room with glass windows, according to Paul Dawson, managing director of construction projects.

It also houses tutoring, the Center for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, and distance learning. Materials are available for use and checkout by any resident of Community College District 509, officials said.