Demarest Hall is home to the
religious studies,
philosophy, e
nglish and creative writing and
comparative literature departments. It is also home to the
Fisher Center, which
brings together faculty, students, and experts in gender-related fields in the arts, humanities, and social and natural sciences to foster mutual understanding and social justice in contemporary society.
The Colleges'
Office of the Registrar is located on the lower level.
Demarest was the Colleges' library from 1885 until the Warren Hunting Smith Library opened in 1976. Books were arranged within this stone building's alcoves on the main floor and in galleries of the large reading room. In 1895, Mrs. Agnes Demarest donated money to build an addition for stack rooms. Subsequently, Hobart College named the library for her. In 1961, Demarest was joined to the Chapel by St. Mark's Tower. Another wing was added in 1964, which doubled the library's capacity. In 1984, the Colleges completed an impressive restoration of Demarest's main reading room, now known as the Elizabeth Blackwell Room. It is one of the most beautiful spots for studying on campus. Students who lift their eyes from their books for inspiration can gaze upon the stained-glass likenesses of Bishop Hobart, George Washington, Ben Franklin, William Shakespeare and other notables.