To ensure the long-term preservation and security of the Widener Library collections, the Harvard College Library is undertaking the Widener Stacks Renovation Project. This extensive two-year construction project includes an upgrade of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, electrical, lighting, fire suppression, and security systems. In addition, two new reading rooms and staff work space will be added. The renovation will take place on all 10 levels of the Widener Library stacks, in associated mechanical rooms, in the faculty studies along the perimeter of and adjacent to the stacks, and in the light courts.

Construction will begin the week of June 14. Specific areas of the building may be closed during some phases of construction. Books and library materials are to be shifted, floor by floor, into temporary shelving during the project. Although the library will remain open throughout the renovation, materials held in temporary storage may not be available for short periods of time.

For up-to-date details of the project status and information regarding library access, visit the Widener Stacks Renovation Web site: www.fas.harvard.edu/--planning/widener, or call the Privileges Office at (617) 495-4166.

When visiting Widener Library, look for the logo (pictured here) to identify signage and messages pertaining to the stacks renovation project.

Lamont Reading Room Gets a Facelift This Summer

This summer, the Lamont Reading Room on the main level of the library will be refurbished with new carpeting, lighting, window treatments, and seating. In addition the carpeting on the third floor will be replaced and some electrical work will be done in the ceilings of Level One and Level Three. No alterations will be made to the public service areas, shelving, or staff workplaces.

For the upcoming academic year, more individual carrel seating and single-user tables will be installed as will wiring to provide future additional computer connections.

The plan for updating Lamont's interior was developed as a result of the Lamont Library Occupancy Study which involved a number of undergraduates and was conducted between March 1998 and February 1999. For example, students expressed a preference for individual carrel seating over long study tables traditionally found in libraries. The architectural firm of Einhorn Yaffee Prescott has been retained for design of both aspects of the project.