by Chester Tadeja
Asst. Editorial Director
Of the many noticeable structures students saw coming on the ULV campus is Wilson Library, now under its fourth month of construction.
Head Librarian Dr. Marlin Heckman, who has been working as an unofficial consultant with the construction company, said construction is on schedule to open for the Spring semester, 1996.
Over the summer, pillars in the south-end of Sneaky Park and many new walls that were both erected and torn down, said Heckman.
The new Wilson Library, along with the School of Business and Economics, will have a total of 50,000 square feet. The library will occupy about 38,000 square feet, as opposed to 18,000 square feet prior to construction.
When the library does open, the exterior will resemble that of Miller Hall, Heckman said.
“There will be covered walkways, a terrace and a fairly grand entrance,” said Heckman.
The entrance to the library will face Miller Hall, opposite of the former entrance which faced the corner of Third and D Streets. It will be completely covered with glass.
The new library will seat close to 300 people and have the capacity to hold 275,000 volumes. This space should accommodate the present growth rate for another 10-12 years, said Heckman.
The cost of the new expansion is $7 million. More than $1.25 million of that has come directly from gifts ranging from as high as $660,000 to the lowest gift of $5,000.
“If someone (wants) to give a million, they can have the business school named after them,” said a smiling Heckman as he explained that several rooms inside the library have already been named for various donors.
“I know people will be pleased with the finished result,” said Heckman. “It’s going be a showpiece for years to come.”
Chester Tadeja
