Please reconsider blocking off the windows on the 4th floor with new
bookshelves. These cut across the windows and block virtually all
natural light. Expand the shelves inward if necessary. These "green
zones" around the shelves should be spared to make for a positive study space. Libraries are for students as well as books!

Patricia Selinger of our Preservation Department deplies....
I appreciate your design suggestion for "green zones" within Cabell Library. It's an excellent idea! We want to make the library inviting for students to study and enjoy. We strive to balance the need for housing collections with user needs when we add shelving. The Cabell Library was built to house just half of what it currently holds, so we are very tight on space. We have been working to improve the situation some with high density shelving in the basement, but that is still not sufficient for the enormous quantity of books we receive every year. Long term, we are working with the University to increase the available space for the VCU Libraries. When that happens, be assured that your suggestion will be considered!