Aspirations for the Future, 1982 - 1983

Just six years after completion of the Library’s two new wings, College Librarian Rick Harwell’s annual report noted that the shelving presumed to be adequate for at least another 15 years was now filled.

In the summer of July 1971 President Thomas C. Mendenhall appointed a Library Planning Committee to examine the Library’s needs and to work out a detailed program for any renovation or new construction.

Various library experts were consulted; several thought that the building should be torn down and proposed totally new construction. This plan was considered, but soon abandoned due to concerns over the cost of a new building. In 1974 the Board of Trustees approved the use of The Cambridge Seven architectural firm to renovate and expand the existing building.

The goals of the new expansion project were to increase stack space, improve the lighting and ventilation systems, and provide an inviting environment for reading and study with “comfortable and attractive” seating.