Under Construction: VCU Libraries Renovations

Renovations continue with the upcoming demolition of the central stairwell between the third and the fourth floor. Demolition is slated for Friday, June 22, Saturday, June 23 and Monday, June 25. Friday's work will be the extremely disruptive throughout the building, particularly near the central core. Cabell Library patrons can expect somewhat less disruptive noise throughout the rest of the demolition period, except to those patrons in the central area of the building on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors. Study space on the first floor, away from the central area of the building, should be the least noisy area. Earplugs will be available at the Circulation and Information Services desk on the first floor and the Media and Reserve Services desk on the third floor.

We thank you for your patience during these important renovations.

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New furniture will be purchased for the first floor of Cabell Library thanks to special funding from the Provost's Office. Over fifty seats will be added to the library's active entry floor, while worn and outdated furnishings that remain are updated. Items to be purchased include: study and cafe-style tables and seating; upholstered loveseats and lounge chairs, some with tablet arm work surfaces; coffee tables; rolling task chairs for use at computer carrels; rocking chairs; adjustable height tables for use with the Libraries' assistive technology; and equipment furniture for the Print/Photocopy area.

Goals of the project are to:
- add badly needed seats in a high-use area of the building
- replace outdated and worn furniture
- ensure more efficient use of seats by offering more individual and cafe-table style seating
- allow for more flexible furniture placement near outlets and network drops for laptop users
- make use of nooks and crannies on the floor that permit an individual "comfy" chair
- maximize window areas with seating that provides reflective space for study or contemplation

Furniture will be received and installed by the end of the fiscal year and will provide new options for library users beginning summer of 2007.

Images of some furniture that will be replaced in Cabell Library:

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Please join us in thanking the supporters of the VCU Libraries for their generous donations in support of the Campaign for James Branch Cabell Library. From June 2005 through December 2006, over 625 donors, many of whom were first time VCU Libraries donors, made gifts in support of the Campaign for James Branch Cabell Library.

The VCU Libraries would also like to thank a Private Richmond Foundation for issuing the challenge grant to our donors and matching the $200,000 in private funds raised. Because of donors like you and the support of a Private Richmond Foundation, the VCU Libraries was able to raise over $425,000 in private funds to supplement the $200,000 in state support provided by Provost Gottfredson and Virginia Commonwealth University.

The funds raised will be used to renovate the fourth floor of the James Branch Cabell Library, a space which has not been updated since its construction in 1975. The renovation, in part, will create the John Mapp Graduate Study and Reading Room, the University's first dedicated library space for graduate student and faculty; upgrade space for rare and unique materials held by Special Collections and Archives; and restore the historic James Branch Cabell Room to its rightful place as a dignified meeting and retreat space.

The VCU Libraries and the Friends of the Library are proud to announce the creation of the John Mapp Graduate Study and Reading Room. John Mapp was leader of VCU's Evening College and Summer School from 1964 until 1978, a long-time supporter of the VCU Libraries, and an enthusiastic advocate for Virginia Commonwealth University. As a member of the Friends of the Library Board, Mr. Mapp gave the largest single monetary gift to the VCU Libraries in VCU history. John and Elizabeth Mapp also established several endowments at the VCU Libraries to purchase library materials in support of students in the Honors Program at VCU. The new John Mapp Graduate Study and Reading Room will recognize and honor Mr. Mapp's many significant contributions to VCU and the VCU Libraries.

If you are interested in making a gift in support of the VCU Libraries or to learn more about the Friends of the Library, please contact Kimberly Separ, director of development and community relations, at (804) 827-1163.

Thank you again for your support of the VCU Libraries!

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We are bringing you a better Cabell Library!

Before construction begins, here's what to expect:

Starbucks:
Work begins late December 2006 and completes March 2007. Java 901 is being renovated to bring you a fully licensed Starbucks store.

Renovated Fourth Floor:
Work scheduled to begin February 2007. A new entrance hall with display cabinets, new John Mapp Graduate Study & Reading Room, renovated Cabell Room, and renovated Special Collections and Archives.

Please join us in thanking supporters of the VCU Libraries for the generous financial gifts that have made the Fourth Floor renovations possible. To learn more about how you can support the VCU Libraries, please contact Kimberly Separ at 804-827-1163.

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