Alabama State University Has had an early and strong emphasis on the education department. The Curriculum Materials Center grew out of this strong educational emphasis. The center roots trace back to the early sixties, where a void was discovered in the area of curriculum development. Textbooks used in the Alabama public schools were then ordered for the use of students in the education classes.

The center was approved by the administration and established in the G, W. Trenholm Library during the 1968-69 school year. The area expanded rapidly while in the Trenholm Library, until it was in 1970-71 to the library Annex on Thurman Street. It remained in that location until 1977, when the present day library, in the Levi Watkins Learning center, was completed.

In 1982 The Curriculum Materials Center became a public review site for the adoption of textbooks for the state of Alabama.

Key persons involved in the development of the Curriculum Materials Center are as follows:

• 1967, Dr. Zelia S. Evans, a professor in ASU's education department, proposed that a curriculum center be established in the library.
• Elijah Singley was the library director when the center was established.
• Bessie Grayson served as the center's first librarian.
• Louise Stanley became the center's Librarian a year after it opened. under Mrs. Stanley's leadership, the area experienced record growth in service and resources. (Retired 1982).
• Mary Chames has served as librarian in the area since 1982.