Whitman's $11 Million Library Renovation Project on Schedule

WALLA WALLA, Wash. -- The 15-month, $11-million renovation and expansion of Penrose Memorial Library at Whitman College is on schedule, two floors of the library are open for study and research, and the entire project should be completed before classes open for the fall 2000 semester.

"The weather has been cooperative," Henry Yaple, library director, said. "We've had some rain in recent weeks, but nothing that would slow down construction."

The project, designed by the Portland architectural firm of Thomas Hacker and Associates, involved the addition of 16,000 square feet of new floor space, as well as a top-to-bottom renovation of the existing library.

When completed, the four-story library will feature a reading room complete with artwork and a fireplace, an on-site cafe, 10 group study areas, seating for 500 students (40 percent of the Whitman student body), numerous carrels with high-speed computers, and a new entrance onto the second floor from Ankeny Field.

"It hasn't been easy for anyone," Yaple noted, "but the construction crews and the library staff have done everything possible to keep the library in operation."

During the fall semester, most of the library s collection has been accessible in compact shelving on the ground floor, and library staff members have provided access to other materials. Study carrels with computers were available on the ground floor throughout the semester.

Most of the second floor was opened for student and faculty use on Friday, Jan. 14, in time for the beginning of the spring semester.

"Accommodating student research and study has been a top priority," Yaple said. "Most students have understood that the noise and the relatively cramped quarters are unavoidable. I appreciate their patience in putting up with the distractions. The end product is going to be a spectacular facility, a real gem of the Whitman campus."

CONTACT:

Mason Smith, Director of Communications, (509) 527-5768
Email: smithmm@whitman.edu