Construction Zone: Libraries
The State University of New York (SUNY) College at Geneseo has completed a $40 million renovaiton of its Milne Library.
The university says the facility upgrades include:
- Large windows with views of the Genesee Valley
- Increased seating throughout the library
- Group study rooms
- A new events/multipurpose room for campus activities
- A new cafe serving a variety of food and beverages, plus improved traffic flow making it easier for students to grab meals on the go
- New and improved lighting throughout the building
- New second entrance
The modernization was funded in part by the State University Construction Fund.
The architect is JMZ Architects.
Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, has started construction on an $8.5 million, 18,000-square-foot library addition for its School of Theology.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that the project, an extension of the Brackett Library, will provide School of Theology students with access to one of the most extensive theology collections in the South.
Enrollment in the School of Theology rose in the fall 2024 semester, the university says. The 71 new graduate students enrolled represented a 65% increase from the previous year.
The university says the School of Theology's collection will be kept intact and made available to students in open, browseable stacks on the second floor. Students will have access to multiple study spaces as well as a dedicated study room on the second floor that will be specifically reserved for School of Theology students.
The addition should be completed by March 2026, officials said.
$90 million library renovation at Lamar University
A $90 million renovation of the Mary and John Gray Library has begun at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.
The university says the project marks the first major update to the building since it opened nearly five decades ago. The library’s exterior will undergo a transformation; much of the brick facade will be replaced by glass to bring in more natural light and create a more open and inviting atmosphere.
The renovation will include enhanced technological resources, study spaces tailored to various student needs, and a focus on incorporating natural light throughout the building.
The project is expected to be completed by fall 2026.
Bowling Green State is restoring iconic library mural
An eight-story mural that has adorned the outside of a campus library for nearly 60 years at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, is undergoing a major restoration.
The mural, created by artist Donald Drumm in 1966, encompasses the east and west side of the William T. Jerome Library. Now, to ensure that the mural remains recognizable and viable for years to come, the university has launched a full restoration project. Work is set to begin in April 2025.
“The William T. Jerome Library Mural Restoration Project goes beyond a basic paint touch-up and cleaning,” said Sara Bushong, dean of University Libraries. “Focused on preservation of the mural, the project will include repairing cracks, stabilizing loose paint, applying protective sealants to guard against environmental damage and ensuring the mural stays vibrant and well-preserved for the future.”
Interior phase enhancements may include a new skylight and modernized lighting to showcase the internal view of the mural, enhanced exhibit spaces to feature works of public art within the facility, and modernized spaces in support of the academic success of students.
The restoration is set to be completed by November 2025.