A Reading Room For Neilson Library
Architect's rendering of Reading Room
We did it! Thanks to all our donors, we have raised $735,000 in gifts and pledges to build the new reading room.
The library lost several grand public spaces during the course of five major renovations and expansions. The Friends of the Libraries have sought to reverse this course and restore the once-grand Periodicals Room as a reading room at the entrance of the building. Originally designed as a counterpart to the Browsing Room, this room has most recently served as the circulation department workroom.
Before the renovation work can begin, alternative office space and a workroom must be provided for the circulation department in the library interior. The circulation desk will not be affected by the renovation. A timeline for the work is not yet available but updates and photographs will be posted here as the work gets under way.
Current use, Circulation Workroom
Architect's sketch of Reading Room floorplan
Related Links:
- Reading Room Donors
- Smith College Online Giving Form
- "The Role of a Library in a Liberal Arts College" by Library Director, Chris Loring
- Vision Statement
- Planning for Success
- "Redesigning Libraries for Learning" by Scott Bennett
- Beyond Walls: Libraries in the Digital Age
For more information, please contact Mary Irwin at Friends of the Smith College Libraries, phone: (413) 585-2903
