Leyburn Library Renovation Blog

Somehow six months seemed a LOT longer! On August 18 Mathers began the renovation of the Main level of Leyburn. TODAY we had the reopening. It was a day of smiles for everyone! Provost June Aprille, the moving force behind this renovation, got us off to a great start with a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m. Cookies and coffee were available. Not only did the campus get an upgraded library floor with better lighting, more efficient service points, lots more electrical and computer access, but also we now have the availability of another elevator and bathrooms on the Main level. It was a big step for everyone and the pictures show the enthusiasm with which the changes were met. Of course, the students made
themselves right at home immediately!

Everybody wanted to try the "egg" seating.

Former University Librarian Barbara Brown (on the right) has now been through two openings of Leyburn.

The Reference collection is starting to move upstairs. Right now we are working from the Zs backwards. Other collections that have made their way upstairs: McNaughtons, Atlases, Music CDs.

If patrons need any of these items please speak with an Access Services staff member.

We have already started moving some items. The current periodicals are moving upstairs. If a patron wants a title that is upstairs please let the Information Desk know so we can retrieve it.
I will be putting signs in the spaces that the collections used to occupy.
Reference items should start going upstairs tomorrow.

Leyburn's renovation is rapidly drawing to a close. Although the plastic barricade has come down we won't be open for business for another two weeks. If you haven't peeked in recently, it looks MARVELOUS! Steve McAllister couldn't stop smiling during his tour on Friday.

Bright and early this morning furniture started to arrive...lots and lots of furniture.

Putting together the tables for the new computer stations.

There is still a bit of wood work to be done and some touch-up work and of course everyone and everything has to move back upstairs, so look for our official opening and ribbon cutting ceremony early in February.

During exams several staff members and student library workers got to tour the new space. Judi Owens, Nicole Allaband, Shelly Fleming, and Elizabeth Teaff (background) checked out the new Information Desk.

While most of the campus is off on holiday break, Mathers and teams are working feverishly to finish the renovation of the main level of Leyburn.

The front entrance has been closed so workmen and supplies can more easily access the floor. The ceiling and lights are close to finish,

carpet is being installed, the glass wall is up on the Writing Center,

AND the new entrance doors are being installed on the Elrod side of the building.

By the time everyone gets back in January big changes will be visible. We still hope for a move-in date at the end of January.

Yesterday the University Library Committee donned hard hats and walked the great expanse that is now the Main level of Leyburn Library. Carole Bailey, project manager, led the tour and pointed out the areas for the Writing Center, new study rooms, enhanced media lab, and the framing that has taken place for the combined Information Desk and a few offices. The committee members were impressed and pleased with the plan and the progress. For an objective comment on the renovation, talk to one of the committee members: Claudette Artwick (Journalism), David Bello (History), Chris Connors (Geology), Bob DeMaria ((Journalism),Dennis Garvis (Bus. Admin), Scott Johnson (Classics), Maryanne Simurda (Biology) and Kary Smout (English). We are still on target for a late January move-in.

Tried to get in the front entrance of Leyburn this week? You may have noticed that the stairs and half the lobby were blocked off. That's because the framing for the Writing Center was going up! You didn't know the Writing Center was moving? Yes, it is. What better place for it?!!?

The Writing Center will be in the area behind the Main level elevators. When not in use by the Writing Center folks, the room will be reservable for small group meetings, too.

Check it out! (No pun intended)

Have you seen the BIG HOLE on the Elrod Commons side of Leyburn Library? That's going to be the new entrance and lots of GLASS. The renovation is increasing the amount of natural light - and electrical - dramatically. Even in January it will be much brighter!

And students are finding the rearranged comfy furniture to their liking, too!

It's amazing how much space there is on the main floor of Leyburn when you take the books,shelves and people out!

And no telling what you will find!

Who knew Coke came in bottles!!

And is this new modern art for the new building?

Real progress is being made: the door frame for the new writing center is going up to the left of the stairs.

And the new door is being cut on the Elrod Commons side of the building.

No one is happier than University Librarian Merrily E. Taylor (on right in photo) and Project Manager Carole Bailey!

Ever wonder what the Main level of Leyburn would look like without the stacks? VAST emptiness! For the past few weeks Mathers Construction has pulled up carpet, taken out the ceiling, and drilled over 20 holes, and now taken down the old walls. They have also done a lot of shoveling/carting/tossing of the rubble. It is really starting to get exciting, now that we can see how much space is really available for new study rooms, furniture, and redesign. You're going to love it!

The view from the front door, looking through the University Librarian's former offices.

All that's left standing is the University Librarian's former "executive washroom".

Needs some books, don't you think?