The A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library Center's growing collection comprises more than a quarter of a million volumes, including print and non-print materials, periodicals, and electronic information sources to meet the needs of Southwestern University's students. The library houses several special collections, including the papers of Senator John G. Tower.

The library offers a range of services and facilities including circulation and reserve services, reference services, a periodicals reading area and service desk, group study rooms, music listening facilities, and for meetings and special events, the Prothro Room overlooking the campus mall. The library also offers audiovisual services to the campus.

The library was dedicated in 1988. It is an expansion of the University's Cody Memorial Library, providing space for a growing library collection and expanded services. The facility is named for A. Frank Smith, Jr. of Houston, a distinguished trustee of Southwestern University for more than 25 years and former chair of the Board of Trustees.