When Holy Family University students returned to campus for the fall semester, they found their library was open again and extensive renovations had been made.
The four-month, $2.6 million project was funded equally by the university and a state redevelopment capital assistance program grant.
Some $600,000 was spent replacing the windows, which were installed during the last school year.
The three-story library, which was built in 1967 and consists of 42,000 square feet, closed May 7 for the remainder of the work. Limited services moved to a room on the fourth floor of the nearby Education and Technology Center.
The temporary closing was necessary so workers could upgrade the electrical, lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Lori Schwabenbauer, director of library services, said the lighting is greatly improved and the system is more energy efficient.
Other noticeable improvements include a doubling in the number of computers from 24 to 48, several group study rooms, additional quiet spaces, main floor bathrooms and a cafe area with vending machines.
“Computers are the biggest draw,” Schwabenbauer said.
Students and staff can also take advantage of a number of technological enhancements. Also, movies on DVD can be checked out for free.
In addition, the library has added four more hours to its weekly schedule. It is now open seven days a week for 90.5 hours.
The university conducted a student satisfaction survey, and results showed that the top three requests were more computers, more quiet space and longer hours of operation.
“I think the students will be happy,” Schwabenbauer said.
Schwabenbauer said the 15-person library staff, including two employees at the university’s site in Newtown, Bucks County, will be able to assist visitors more easily thanks to all the improvements.
“We’re really delighted with all the changes,” she said.
The renovations were overseen by the engineering firm Tantala Associates and the mechanical contracting firm A.T. Chadwick Company. ••
