Several changes have been made to the Greenwood Library since the opening of Brock Hall this fall has allowed for some library departments to move there, freeing up more space for student requests, according to Dean of the Library Brent Roberts.
Per Roberts, the Center for Academic Success and the Writing Center moved to Brock Hall, leaving space for the library to otherwise utilize.
“We are now able, in response to student demand, to open three new small group study rooms that will probably seat six to eight people,” Roberts said. “They are just inside the entrance in room 142 and also in room 152, that’s the former writing center and in 155…they have tables and chairs and technology for collaborating on projects in there.”
The Office of Student Research has moved from room 142 to room 153, according to Roberts.
Roberts also said the library’s “Zen Den” has also been completed, which is located on the second floor of the library on the group study side.
“Back in the spring, on the day of giving, we raised money for the 'Zen Den' because students had asked for soft, comfortable furniture,” Roberts said. “So that’s what we got, a very nice group of chairs and sofas up on the group study side overlooking the beautiful green space between the library and Brock Hall and further down Brock Commons.”
“Java City is gone. It is now The Comma a Place to Pause, kind of an expanded convenience store that was in the basement of Lankford (Student Union). It’s a wonderful space, there’s still tables and chairs, couches to sit and to relax and study and talk,” said Roberts.
Per Roberts, room 148 of the library has also been refurbished and is now available for use. The space is typically used for research orientations taught by the library staff, but it is available for student use otherwise.
“It’s got all the technology, it’s got light chairs so it’s a great place to go for a study group…Also, all the tables in that room are white boards so if you need to be charting out or drawing that you can do that as well,” said Roberts.
Some students expressed excitement about the new spaces.
“Last semester I remember there being a lot of people and it was always crowded," said Juliette Yeates, a junior accounting major who frequents the library. "I’m excited about the new spaces, I think that will help.”
The décor in the upstairs of the library in Greenwood Gallery is also being updated, per Roberts, with an opening on Sept. 18.
Pfamatter and Yeates also expressed their excitement regarding the new art.
“I think having more art in the library is really inspirational," said Charlotte Pfamatter, a sophomore environmental major who said she's in the library almost every day.
Roberts said the library had increased its resources for audiobooks.
“A big one that I want to especially make sure new students are aware of is overdrive. We have now audiobooks that people can download…or just listen online,” said Roberts. “There are some class materials on there but a lot of them are just recreational books.”
In Spring 2019, the library will be participating in the Big Read, through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) according to Roberts.
“The library has received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts called the NEA Big Read. Ours is going to be called the Big Read Heart of Virginia,” said Roberts.
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Replacing Java City, The Comma was added as a convenience store.
The 'Zen Den' was created by student request for more couches in the library once Brock Hall opened, allowing for more space in the library.
