This blog details the three-year journey to renovate Hale Library after the May 22, 2018, fire.
This blog has allowed us to share our journey of recovery with the K-State and library communities both near and far. We will never forget the generosity and outpouring of support as we worked to rebuild and create a next-generation library.
Most of Hale Library’s second floor is scheduled to open during the spring 2020 semester. We took a peek at the progress and could tell the new space is really starting to take shape!
This floor plan shows some of the exciting new features planned for the second floor. The Info Commons, shaded in purple, will be open this spring and include nearly 100 computers.
Since there is now a direct entrance to the first floor, we are moving the second floor entrance a little further to the West. This will allow us to re-purpose some space for seating, create a better pathway to our help desks and shorten the distance of the hallway leading into the building.
Here you can see where the new entrance is located for the second floor. The former hallway to the East of the new entrance will be used for additional seating. This was previously the entrance to the second floor. Soft seating will be added to the new space with plenty of natural light from the gorgeous arched window.The beautiful, high ceilings and original light fixtures in the new seating area will also add to its appeal.
When students walk into the second floor they will immediately see our new Library and IT Help desks. These two services will now be co-located providing campus with more convenience and better assistance.
The Library and IT Help desks will be located directly across from the new entrance. In addition, new consultation rooms will provide spaces for staff to work with patrons on in depth questions. This wider shot shows the Library and IT Help desks in relation to the rest of floor. On the left side of the photo is the East wall of the stacks. Similar to the first floor, we will expose the limestone walls and add more white boards.The East end of the second floor will be filled with computer stations and study tables with additional seating next to the windows.While most of the drywall is up on the second floor, construction continues throughout this floor and the three floors above it. We’ll have more on that in our next post!How many gallons of paint do you think it will take to paint the walls in Hale? Lots of paint has already gone up on second floor.
Just for fun, we also took a peek inside the new cafe space on the first floor. Joyce and Joe’s Cornerstone Cafe will also open during the spring 2020 semester.
The stonework is complete on the fireplace feature. The tape on the floor is actually the pattern for the ceiling, which will utilize salvaged wood from Hale Library.
In other exciting news, we announced yesterday that the first floor Dave and Ellie Everitt Learning Commons will begin 24/5 hours starting Sun., Nov. 3. This is another service made possible by renovation efforts. We could not be more thrilled to bring this service back for K-State students. Happy studying!
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3 thoughts on “Second floor progress update”
Thank you for keeping us informed with great photos and explanations. Appreciate that we can be included in the solutions. Jane Price Woellhof
Hi Jane! We are so glad you like the blog!
Very good information in your update. Many fond memories and pre- exam prayers said in that building. Looking forward to the finished product and keep on “drying up” Hale Hall!
(1983-1985 Graduate student)
Thank you for keeping us informed with great photos and explanations. Appreciate that we can be included in the solutions. Jane Price Woellhof
Hi Jane! We are so glad you like the blog!
Very good information in your update. Many fond memories and pre- exam prayers said in that building. Looking forward to the finished product and keep on “drying up” Hale Hall!
(1983-1985 Graduate student)