Library receives new renovations

Last spring, Viterbo University’s Student Government Association approved $90,000 to go towards renovating one of Viterbo’s oldest buildings, the Todd Wehr Memorial Library. Kim M. Olson-Kopp, director of the library, spoke with the Lumen about this historic space, and some of the changes students could expect to see this upcoming fall in the library.   

“With the Student Government Association’s input, we’ve focused on updating the first floor area by the staircase,” Olson-Kopp said. “We’re adding an LED fireplace with some really brilliant colors, plenty of lounge seating, modular tables that can be grouped together, and booths for individual seating, many of [which] will have integrated power and USB chargers,” she added.  Olson-Kopp also said that the renovations should be mostly done by the end of the spring semester. 

Olson-Kopp reflected on the library’s history at Viterbo, mentioning how the library “keeps changing and adapting to student needs. When Murphy Center was the main campus building, this space used to be the gymnasium. When the library was moved from the third floor to the first floor in 1991, the space was changed into a computing and research area that also housed circulation and reference. It adapted again to a general study and periodicals area in 2006, and now we’re seeing yet another change, to a flexible learning space. I think it will be a nice blend of historic and modern, because the furnishings are comfortable and welcoming and the structure has a unique feel.” 

On behalf of the library, Olson-Kopp thanked SGA for supporting the renovation.  In particular, she was thankful for the help of Logan Jancsurak, who approached her “with a goal of updating the library so it would be a more inviting and productive space for students.” Olson-Kopp said that without the support of SGA, “this project would have never happened. She was especially thankful for help from one particular member of SGA, saying that “Logan Jancsurak has been incredibly involved in submitting update ideas, working with a designer, the library committee, and physical plant. We’re grateful for the SGA’s involvement and funding.” 

Olson-Kopp added that she hopes the new updates to the library will make it a place where students can gather, and give students more of a “coffee shop feel,” especially with the presence of Einstein’s right around the corner. Students can stop by and check out the library as renovations continue for the rest of the semester, or check out the fully renovated space next semester.