Ceremony kicks of $83.5m library renovation
Campus leaders gathered in front of Mary and John Gray library, Oct. 15, to break ground for the scheduled for $83.5 million renovation of the building.
Among the speakers was Brett Welch, interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, who emphasized the importance of the renovation.
“While the days of the building we recognized today may no longer be purposed to carry countless shelves of books, it will enhance the physical spaces for students to read, study and interact with each other,” Welch said. “The improvements will create innovative spaces for advising, mentoring, tutoring and digital learning.”
After the ceremony, President Jaime Taylor spoke about the goals of the renovation the library.
“We really wanted to create a hub for students and a place students could go all the time,” Taylor said. “We are trying to build a place where students can interact with each other and interact with the librarians while making it easier to access information.”
Taylor said the school purchased many of the journals and books, and made them electronic to make more interaction space for students.
“We plan to add more computers and other things to let students have easier access to information,” he said.
Gray Library Dean Vivienne McClendon, who took the position this fall, said she understands how much the renovations will mean to the campus.
“I believe the planning has been going on for close to six years, but the actual work started — preparatory work — two years ago, and has really heated up to this moment,” she said.
While the renovations will cause some inconvenience, McClendon said there are procedures in place for the library to function.
“Right now, first and second floor are available for student use, and the collection is on second, third and fourth,” she said. “We are retrieving books as people ask for them, but we have study space, we have quiet study, so we’re doing our best to continue to support students in the way they deserve.”
SGA President Ethan Ellis said the improvements will give students more areas to study.
“I think this would mean a lot for students, like the STEM building,” Ellis said. “Students love it, but unfortunately, there isn’t enough space in the STEM building for all the students to study at one time. So, I feel like the reopening of the library will mean a lot for students. As well as the improvements to study spaces, it’ll have a little bit more life to it compared to how it used to be, with it being very dim. The amount of technology and the open spaces that they’re talking about will be a great addition.”
Ellis said that as a student he is excited for the library’s new look, including a new glass exterior.
“I’m excited for the windows,” Ellis said. “It’s the tallest building on campus and whenever people see a big building made out of brick it almost looks like a prison. So, with all the additions of the windows, how they’re tidying up the outside, I feel it’ll make our campus look a little bit more new, more vibrant, and that’s what I’m looking forward to the most.”
The renovations are expected to be finished by fall 2026.
