After renovations, brighter Rosengarten to debut today

Rosengarten opens today after the completion of the first phase of a $2 million renovation project designed to make the facility cleaner, more comfortable and more conducive to studying. This summer's renovations included the addition of four transparent but soundproof rooms for group study space, 16 new computers, a more comfortable lounge area and new carpeting, furniture and lighting fixtures, according to Vice Provost and Director of Libraries Paul Mosher. The facility also boasts new laptop connection ports, renovated bathrooms, new heating and air-conditioning equipment and a new sprinkler system. The project, funded jointly by private donations and the University and jumpstarted by the Undergraduate Assembly, calls for further renovations next summer, including the construction of two more group study rooms and the relocation and renovation of the bathrooms to make way for a secured patio area outside, Mosher said. Officials also plan to obtain funding for a cybercafZ, which will seat between 40 and 50 people, where students can work and have access to computers without having to leave to get a snack or a cup of coffee. Mosher called the renovated facility "utterly transformed," noting that it is both more comfortable as well as more functional than before. "It's what the students have said they want for the last 10 years," Mosher said. "They'd like a place that is safe and secure." A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place tomorrow at 4 p.m. to celebrate the opening of the facility. Small renovations to the third floor lobby of Van Pelt Library were also completed this summer, adding more personal computers and a new student lounge, Mosher said. Next summer, the Jewish and Near East Collection -- located on the fourth floor -- will acquire two new group study rooms and a new seminar room. University officials had originally said in February that they could not approve the plan until all necessary funds were gathered, but soon after gave the library the go-ahead on the first phase of renovations. Wharton junior and UA Facilities Committee Chairperson Jonathan Glick -- one of the chief proponents of the plan to accelerate the Rosengarten renovations -- said he was pleased with both the speed and scope of the improvements. "The Rosengarten improvements are massive and impressive and will benefit every individual throughout the Penn community," Glick said. And UA Treasurer and College junior Michael Bassik also applauded the University's response to student need. "I think when the UA made library renovations its top priority last year, the administration realized that improved study space -- especially 24-hour study space -- on campus is one of the students' top priorities," Bassik said, adding that the UA "is committed to seeing the other phases of this project completed."