Chancellor Paterson Library

The Chancellor Paterson Library is the main library on the Thunder Bay Campus and occupies a separate building in the centre of campus. Three floors of this building were completed early in 1966, and came into full use for the new session beginning September 1966. Three more floors were added to the existing structure in 1967.

On May 31, 1980 the Library was named The Chancellor Norman M. Paterson Library. Norman McLeod Paterson established his own grain business in 1908 which later grew into the firm of N.M. Paterson and Sons Ltd. Paterson was called to the Senate in 1940 and was appointed Knight of the Order of St. John in November 1945. Senator Paterson’s contributions to both Thunder Bay and Lakehead University are considerable. Over the years, through The Paterson Foundation, the family has contributed generously to numerous scholarships, bursaries, and funded major capital projects at Lakehead University.

After an external consultant’s report in 1990 the library was renovated in the early 90’s.

In 2010 a renovation of the main floor resulted in the Library Learning Commons.

Today the Chancellor Paterson Library is a hub of student activity, with quiet and group work areas, library services, the Writing Centre, access to computers, the print collection, and a cafe. Chancellor Paterson Library is also home to the Northern Studies Resource Centre and Archives and Special Collections.

Gate Count

Exams Hours (12:00am to 3:00am) Patron Exit Count

November 21, 2016 to December 17, 2016

• 3,509 total
• Average 146 per night
• Peaked at 232 (November 21, Long Night against Procrastination)

March 27, 2017 to April 22, 2017

• 3,849 total
• Average 143 per night
• Peaked at 209 (April 6)