The original University library was located in a small section of what had previously been the clubhouse of Bellerive Country Club.

The original "TJ Library" entrance also sported a swimming pool and basketball court which have since been removed.

$6.1 million in funding was provided by the State of Missouri, McDonnell Douglas, Emerson Electric, and Anheuser-Busch, each being local St. Louis corporations.

On June 13, 1990, the new McDonnell Douglas, Emerson Electric, Anheuser-Busch Wing of the Thomas Jefferson Library was dedicated.

It is strikingly reminiscent of the version designed and built for the Louvre Museum in Paris, France by famed architect I.M.