Changes to Clarke’s library can be seen and more are coming as a result of an ongoing comprehensive fundraising campaign. Lighting, paint, carpet, and glass around the staircase are all in the works for the next 2-4 years. Students will have normal access to all three levels at the normal times throughout the whole process.
As the 2024-2025 academic year kicks into full swing many notable changes can be seen around campus. One of the biggest changes comes to The Nicholas J. Schrup Library. Visibly, the bookshelves on the main level have all been removed to reveal open space and many familiar services have had location changes. But there are still more renovations to come over the next few years.
Speaking with Beth McGrath, the Vice President for Business and Finance, she shares further information about the renovations. “The main floor will remain as is for the academic year and possibly longer. The upper library will remain largely the same with some cosmetic changes like carpet, paint, and possibly lighting” McGrath said. Because the changes are funded by a comprehensive campaign, as donations come in, changes will be made.
Over the next 2-4 years bigger changes, such as glass surrounding the middle staircase to reduce noise, will happen but there is no exact timeline for the renovations yet. These changes will most likely come after larger donations come in, but there is no set plan for the final layout. Clarke students will be notified if these changes will affect library hours or their ability to use certain levels of the library.
In addition to the cosmetic changes, you might have noticed the opening of the Rare Book Room on the top floor of the library. Here, students can sit and study or collaborate with others in comfortable seating. Glass windows reveal other artifacts and books and students can access this room from the outer hallway or the top level of the library. The former area for the MARC is now a quiet study area, and the MARC has moved to the lowest level and is the space with the glass doors to the left of the staircase. Rebranded to be the Academic Support Center you can find writing tutors, first year writing coaches, and academic advisors for first year students. Students/individuals in need of technical assistance can find the Technical Service in the (former) MMC.
Although changes will be made the library hours will stay as follows: Monday – Thursday, 7:30am – 11:00pm; Friday, 7:30am – 5pm; Saturday, noon-6pm; Sunday, noon – 11pm.
Want to take a virtual tour through the library? Click the link to find out more: https://youtu.be/2l8EWpqWdR8