Holman Library's Renovations Near Completion!
If it’s been a while since you’ve visited Holman Library’s second floor, you’re in for a delightful surprise! The second floor’s renovations
are nearing completion and are still trajected to be complete by the end of August,
just in time for the 2022-2023 academic year. The books, shelves and furniture that
were once housed on the top floor were moved to the basement in the fall 2021 semester.
These renovations are a part of McKendree’s FORWARD campaign.
The renovated floor is envisioned as an education and conference center that is rich
in up-todate technology. Once completed, the second floor will be amply set up for
groups of all kinds to hold meetings and conferences – both in-person and virtually.
Instead of one large space, the south side of the second floor is now partitioned
off with a wall. The double doors open to a welcoming space that will be ideal for
a variety of meetings. The southwest corner, which will house a 169 inch LED screen,
a podium with outlets for power and plenty of USB outlets, can be sectioned off with
a retractable wall, with collaborative white boards on each of the panels, making
it perfect for brainstorming sessions.
The second floor is also outfitted with all-new carpet and will welcome new furniture
with chairs in a beautiful deep plum. Additionally, there is all-new LED lighting
and the chandelier that hangs above the staircase is now on an electric winch, which
will make repositioning (and changing light bulbs) much easier. Finally, the stained-glass
area will act as a stunning archive featuring a legacy of leadership, honoring the
University’s past presidents.
In short, the top floor of Holman Library is being transformed into a modern conference
and learning center with state-of the-art technology and collaborative tools. These
renovations will help the library quickly become one of the very best places on campus
for students, faculty and staff to learn and grow. Be sure to check in with the winter
2023 edition of The McKendrean for a full story!
