Bryan Information Commons officially opens
"A year ago, we dedicated the Lackey Chapel, which is a space for the soul," said CCU President David DeCenzo. "A week ago, we dedicated the HTC Center, a space for the body. And now we are dedicating the Bryan Information Commons, which is a building for the mind."
The 15,000-square-foot addition to Kimbel Library is a technology-rich study, research and tutorial space for students. The $6 million building features collaborative work spaces, soft seating, an exhibit area, glass walls, around 84 individual computer work stations and café seating off a vending machine area for late night studying. Five technology-rich study rooms include large screen wall-mounted monitors, projection capabilities and interactive whiteboards.
The building is named for the family of the late CCU benefactor Rebecca Randall Bryan, whose $1.8 million gift in 2001 was the largest cash gift of its kind at that time.
A student advisory group had input into the design of the building, as well as its furnishings and equipment.
The library's security system has been updated to allow individuals to check out books and other materials at self-check workstations located throughout the library as well as at the Peter C. Bolton help desk in the Information Commons. New security gates have been installed in Kimbel Library and in the Commons.
The library is also sponsoring its first public exhibit, "Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War," from Oct. 12 through Nov. 28. Invited speakers will discuss the issues facing Lincoln as he used the Constitution to address the secession of the Southern states, slavery and wartime civil liberties. This exhibit is made possible through the American Library Association and the National Constitution Center.
Hours of operation will be 24/6, opening at 11 a.m. on Sundays and remaining open until 7 p.m. on Fridays. The Commons will be open 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturdays.