Van Pelt Library to be transformed

Students tucked away in their carrels diligently studying for their summer midterms might not notice, but Van Pelt-Dietrich Library is undergoing some major renovations. In the next three years, the library, at least the first two floors, will be literally transformed. Director of Library Development Adam Corson-Finnerty estimates the the project will cost about $7.2 million, with over $5 million already contributed toward renovation efforts. The library will become much more user friendly and a student will no longer have to trek two blocks to get from reference to periodicals, according to David Mowl, library facilities planner. Reference, circulation, current periodicals and microforms, services that are currently scattered through out the library, will be centralized at one location, Mowl said. In addition a number of computer search areas will be added along with new reading rooms and upgraded study lounges. The first phase of the renovation began with Lippincott library earlier this summer. Corson-Finnerty described the construction of a "public service area" which will consolidate most of the Lippincott services on the second floor. Also planned for the Lippincott library are five brand new group study rooms. Corson-Finnerty said these rooms would be where Wharton students and others could meet to study as teams. This is something that students had been requesting, he said. Corson-Finnerty hopes the Wharton library will be completed by next spring. Another part of the renovation plan calls for carpeting for the first and second floors and eventually the entire building. Lighting will also be dramatically changed . In order to add more natural light, the staff offices along the Walnut Street side on the first floor will be converted to bright study lounges and the entrance to the library will be completely redesigned. This will allow a view from the front door straight through to the Walnut Street windows, Corson-Finnerty said. "This will open up the library to probably what the original vision of the architects was," he said. "You'll be able to see out from almost any angle. One of the few beauties of the library is the glass windows." And directly to the right of entrance, a new staircase will be built that connects to the second floor. The staircase that currently stands near the reference desk will be demolished, Mowl said. Smaller projects will be taking place on the third and fifth floors, he added. Several of the carrels on those floors will be replaced and carpeting will also be one. Although the work will take about two years, Mowl hopes to minimize the noise from the construction. The contractors have agreed to work from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. with most of the noisy stuff being done between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.

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