& Renovating for the Future
Lile movers in action (click to enlarge)
The construction phase is mostly done. Now it’s all about getting things back into the building. First up: the storage collection from Tyson garage.
Books are guided into their new home (click to enlarge)
Moving a library collection requires a high degree of coordination and our super staff, in partnership with Lile movers, are making sure things end up in the right place.
Natural light streams in from the quad
Glass walls with decorative resin panel
One of the best aspects of the renovation is the increased natural light throughout the main and upper floors. This was achieved by removing interior walls, installing a central skylight, more windows in the entryway, and adding a glass bumpout to the left of the new entrance. The natural light is further maximized by the use of glass walls and partitions.
Panorama from upper floor (click to enlarge)
The fifteen month building renovation project is nearing the one year mark! Below is a rough timeline for the move-in process. As more details are known, the campus community will be updated via the UpBeat and PilotsUP.
June: The storage collection will begin moving in mid-June and is expected to take a few weeks to complete.
July: Furnishings and some staff will move into the building.
August: After summer session ends on August 1, the Terrace Room staff and collection will move into the building.
If all goes according to plan, the building will reopen in mid-August and a campus celebration will be held in late September.
Carpet installation starts in the Digital Lab on upper floor (click to enlarge)
These are the last public tours before the library reopens in early August. Don’t miss the chance to get a preview by signing up for an April 23rd or April 24th tour. Email Kathy O’Connell Riddell to reserve a spot. Tours start at 3:45 p.m. from the Franz Hall lobby and last about 45 minutes. Closed toe shoes are required.
Before: Seat of Wisdom (click to enlarge)
After: Seat of Wisdom (click to enlarge)
Oregon sculptor, Frederic Littman, created this sculpture of the Blessed Virgin Mary reading to the Christ child (also known as Sedes Sapientiae or Seat of Wisdom). This sculpture has graced the building since it first opened in 1958. As part of the building renovation it just underwent a major cleaning to remove the corrosion from the lead material and return it to its original glory.
Entryway and Learning Lab area (click to enlarge)
Spring is almost here and the library renovation is on track to finish by late July. See the changes underway by signing up for a hard hat tour on March 26 or March 27. Email Kathy O’Connell Riddell to reserve a spot. Tours start at 3:45 p.m. from the Franz Hall lobby and last about 45 minutes. Closed toe shoes are required.
Elevator door etched with names of great thinkers (click to enlarge)
Bathroom (click to enlarge)
The interior details are filling in nicely! And since a picture is worth a thousand words, the photo galleries have been revised for easier viewing by floor and major feature.
Upper floor – new elevator and stairs (click to enlarge)
Lower floor – fireplace lounge area (click to enlarge)
Much progress has been made on the library’s renovation, especially on the inside! Be among the first to use the new stairs by signing up for a hard hat tour on February 26 or February 27. Email Kathy O’Connell Riddell to reserve a spot. Tours start at 3:45 p.m. from the Franz Hall lobby. Closed toe shoes are required.
New skylight over main floor learning lab area (click to enlarge)
Terrace Room “author” stockings hung with care (click to enlarge)
As we pause for Winter Break, we appreciate how supportive the campus community has been during this interim library year. In Fall semester, an average of 1000 books per week were requested from the storage collection and the paging system has been a great success. We also taught a record number of library instruction sessions and the temporary classroom in Franz Hall has been an excellent space.
However, we do look forward to welcoming you into the renovated library later in 2013. It will be a happy New Year!