Construction began in 1926, and the building was completed in 1929 as the Muhlenberg College Library, serving that purpose until 1987. It was named for Dr. John A. W. Haas, the fourth president of Muhlenberg College from 1904 to 1936, during whose leadership academic standards were raised and the physical plant was developed. It was renovated in 1989-90 as an administrative center and rededicated on October 18, 1991. The library is dedicated to the memory of John A. W. Haas.