By Brad Stambaugh & Kim Chiodo
It’s been a busy summer at CMU’s Park Library, both inside and out. While the students were away, the perimeter of the Park Library received some much-needed attention. The University replaced much of the sidewalk around the east and north sides of the building and excavated most of the overgrown landscaping.
The new sidewalk will improve pedestrian safety and makes access to the library easier for those in wheelchairs.
There are a lot of new signs on campus. The Campus Identity and Wayfinding project has been a multi-year project including the installation of Monument, Gateway, and Wayfinding signs throughout campus. Over the summer, a new sign was added at the south entrance of Park Library.
Two pedestrian signs were also installed. The maps, designed to help students and guests better navigate campus, are located to the west and east of the building.
In addition to the sidewalk improvements and new signage, crews installed six new LED light poles to the east of the Library.
Big things happened inside the building. A whole new study area was created! The idea for 3 East came out of the Park Library Master Plan that was developed nearly four years ago. The plan recommended creating additional group study spaces. The first of these projects was the Copeland Suite which opened in the fall of 2016. Planning for 3 East started last fall and was completed in late August.
3 East was constructed using post and beam partitions to create eight three-sided study pods that include marker boards, movable lounge furniture, and ample outlets. Carrels and tables in the adjacent areas were also rearranged to make the whole east section conducive to active learning and collaborative group study. A grand opening for the space is scheduled for September 12th.
In keeping with a plan to replace all 300 public computers in the library, phase II was finished this summer with the addition of 121 new computers and monitors.
New chairs and movable tables were purchased for the library’s instruction rooms, 207 and 209, which are located near the Copeland Suite.
In keeping with the University’s goal to improve inclusion, equity, and diversity, the Library has created a Quality of Life Room. Room 351, formerly a staff workroom, was repurposed this summer and made available to students and employees as a place to de-stress, pray, nurse, or quietly reflect.
The room is located on the north end of the third-floor stacks. Users can check out the key to the room at the Checkout Desk.
