Mikkelsen Library Makeover

We are beginning to move — in small steps. Our new reference and media shelving arrived this week.

The staff worked on moving existing shelving to its new home. Thanks to the maintenance crew for their assistance in assembling and leveling the shelving.

Construction crews continue to work at a fast pace so we try hard not to disrupt them. The limestone fireplace is complete and is waiting for the installation of the granite hearth. The granite was formerly located around the fireplace in the library’s staff lounge.

Time to start moving our first collection — oversize — to its new home. Check out Flickr for the most recent photo updates.

The renovation has turned a big corner as conversations are beginning to focus on moving back into the renovated space!  The new pictures from Henry Carlson demonstrate how quickly things are moving.

The work on the exterior on the east in very close to completion.

Crews continue to complete the finishing touches!

More photos are available for the week of July 22nd on Flickr.

It may be difficult for some to imagine being excited about bathrooms, but we have our first pictures of our brand new main level public bathrooms!

I have no doubt that our bathrooms will top the Mirror’s best bathrooms list!

Work continues in the north reading area. A brick wall has been added with built in areas to feature art. I can’t wait for our next tour.

It’s hard to believe that we are half way through July!

The painters have been busy and we are starting to see color in the group study rooms.

The construction crews have also started framing the windows and doors.

We did take a moment to celebrate Pie Day with our friends. Thank you to the CWS staff for sharing their space for the celebration!

Work has begun on the new exterior stairway!  It looks awesome!

The crew has also started to prepare the east brick wall for the fireplace on the main floor.

A new set of pictures from July 8th has been added to flickr - check it out!

The Henry Carlson crew granted the library staff a guided tour of the reconstruction on Thursday.  It’s amazing how fast one can forget how it used to look. We were giddy with excitement! After choosing our hard hats, we were on our way through the upper level.  Visit our set of pics on flickr.

The study rooms are going to be a big hit!  Spacious and technologically “smart”, the rooms offer great spaces to study for a test or prepare a group presentation.

(Study room - upper level)

The skeleton walls of the main level staff area and classroom are nearly complete.  The visibility of staff will be greatly improved.

(Staff area - main level)

The framing of walls is underway on the lower level.  The compact shelving has been hidden behind a temporary wall for protection during the reconstruction.

(Looking into the staff area - lower level)

We are looking forward to our next guided tour

It is easy to become discouraged after (many) days of jackhammering. But, that is easily wiped away by the opportunity to see the reconstruction in action!

The center stair is now gone and crews are working on framing the new group study rooms and staff area as well as all the behind the scenes work of wiring and plumbing. It is amazing to see the floor plans come to life!

Enjoy the pics!

New staff area . . .

The stair is gone!

New group study rooms — Upper Level looking west

2 Group Study Rooms — Upper Level East (near balcony)

Study Rooms — Upper Level (formerly Oversize A-PZ)

As the library staff continues to prepare our temporary space for patrons, the construction crews have been VERY busy with demolition. They have shared a few photos of their progress — all 17 are available on flickr.

What a difference a few days can make . . .

Last week at this time, students were in the thick of finals and the library staff was preparing for the move of a lifetime….ok one of many moves during the life of this renovation.

Thank you to the students who were patient during our construction preparations. The staff worked diligently to preserve quiet time in the library while moving the entire journal collection to its new home — compact shelving on the lower level. Just last Saturday, we were still providing library services as the 1954 portion of the building was being emptied.

As of today, we have added books with call numbers A-HT to the compact shelving, moved the majority of staff to the lower level (3 staff will be located in the Center for Western Studies), and removed all tables, chairs and shelving units to make room for the Henry Carlson crew. When I have a moment to pause, I’m truly amazed at all that has been accomplished AND the realization that this is really going to happen!!

Here are a few photos of the changes over the last week. More photos can be found at the library’s flickr account.

PERIODICALS AREA BEFORE

PERIODICALS AREA AFTER

MAIN BOOK COLLECTION (Upper Level) BEFORE

MAIN BOOK COLLECTION (Upper Level) AFTER (HV-PZ still remain on the upper level)

Check out the updated floor plans for the library renovation! The following links will open a PDF file for each floor.

Lower Level

Main Level

Upper Level