The 53,000-square-foot Thrift Library houses the Bunton Computer Laboratory, McClellion Caf?, Chapman Multi-Media Center, Vandiver Gallery, Hopkins Special Collections, Anderson Independent Mail curriculum lab, and Pracht Seminar Room, as well as 10 student collaborative study rooms. Approximately 7,500 square feet of space remains unfinished for expansion.The newest and one of the finest university libraries in the South welcomed students Jan. 1 as the Thrift Library on the campus of Anderson University opened for campus use. While the construction of various aspects of the facility continues, the building has been deemed ready for use. The approximately 100,000 volumes the library will hold initially were moved from the Johnston Memorial Library over the holiday break.
“This fabulous new building meets our current needs for the ever-expanding holdings of our library system, but it also provides room for future growth,” said Evans Whitaker, president of Anderson University. “The many donors who made this library possible – especially the Thrifts, our students, faculty and staff – should be very proud of what we have.”
The Thrift Library, the culmination of the largest single-phase building project in Anderson University history, is expected to dramatically change the environment on campus with ample high-tech media and study rooms, attractive decor, computer labs, and an upscale caf? which will serve gourmet coffee, desserts and light meals throughout the day.
“Apart from the obvious benefits of this library – such as its beauty, state-of-the-art multimedia capabilities and sheer size – I think you find that it will quickly transform the culture on our campus,” said Barry Ray, director of marketing and communications. “There is great attention to attractive gathering space here, from the McClellion Caf? and Java City to several large meeting areas with large, overstuffed furniture. There are also a dozen meeting rooms for students to conduct class projects, small group Bible studies, and research.
“All of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends will carry their heads a little higher. This is certainly a facility to be very proud of,” he said.
Anderson staff members order up expresso and lattes at Java City.
Anderson students and faculty are already raving about the gourmet coffee, fresh pastries and desserts, and wireless Internet access in the new Java City in the McClellion Caf? in the Thrift Library.
Dr. Evans Whitaker, president, leads staff members through Anderson University’s new $7.5 million, 50,000-square-foot library.