The library renovations in KFL will cost approximately $1 million as a small part of the $47 million budget for the Osborne Center for Science and Engineering renovation that will take place over the course of next semester.
According to the Senior Project Manager Don Wright, the money is being used to build multipurpose rooms that can act as classrooms. After the renovation is complete, the multipurpose rooms will be at the library’s disposal.
“What you have to realize is that this is a side effect of the engineering renovation project that will be starting over the winter,” Wright said. The library renovations are necessary to provide classroom space while rooms in the engineering building are under construction.
Currently, the library project totals approximately $950,000, including $575,000 for construction, $250,000 for furniture and $125,000 for audiovisual equipment.
Audio and visual include electronics like projectors. As renovations go on, these costs are subject to change, along with the cost of furniture.
According to Wright, renovations are going as scheduled. Library administrators hope the rooms will be completely finished and equipped to host classes by the spring, with a possible soft launch in late November.
“Building more student facing spaces is what I’m really excited about,” said Associate Dean of the Kraemer Family Library Tabatha Farney.
Farney said the renovations gave the library a chance to create a better service desk that can assist students better.
Farney also noted that the renovations will help the next phases of the furniture pilot project that initially included the glass cubicles and beanbag areas.
“I want to make sure we have a space for everyone, whether they’re here for programming or quiet study,” said Farney
Farney emphasized a focus on responding to student feedback and encourages all students to reach out with recommendations on how to improve the library.
Students can contact Farney at [email protected] with feedback and recomendations.
The library under renovation. Photo by Joseph Impellitteri.