about the library: building renovation news -- current status.

Current Project Status

Renovation to the library building will occur in a number of phases and is expected to be complete by late 2008.

Phase one of the renovation will repair and remodel the first floor of the library. The entirety of the original 1976 library lower floor will be closed until December 2007. The first floor of the new addition, including the reader's garden, will remain open.

During the first phase, the floor slab and 3 to 5 feet of underlying soil will be removed to correct problems with settling and leaks in the underground HVAC ducts. When the floor is replaced, the first level will be upgraded with new finishes and furnishings. Improvements will also include high-density compact bookshelves, additional computer lab space and more group study rooms. Archives, government documents and the Arthur Paul Afghanistan collection will be housed on the renovated first floor.

Subsequent phases to renovate the second and third floors will begin immediately following the re-opening of first floor. Details will be announced later this year.

The photographs below, taken August 1, 2007 show backfilling and pouring of the new floor slab.

Temporary gravel ramp
Temporary gravel ramp.

Still backfilling. View of temporary ducts which are soon slated for replacement.
Still backfilling. View of temporary ducts which are soon slated for replacement.

The once and future home of Government Documents.
The once and future home of the Government Documents department.

These boots were made for walking on concrete.
These boots are made for walking. . . on fresh concrete.

The new slab, home of high density shelving.
The new slab. This area will be for the new high-density shelving system.