The Melvin J. Zahnow Library has undergone its share of renovations in the past few months.
Nevertheless, the walkway from Wickes Hall to Brown Hall was completed recently, allowing students to pass easily from building to building.
The tutoring centers, third-floor café area, and ITS Support Center have all been completed as of this week.
Fliers are available to the public that give a picture of what to expect at the end of construction, which will continue through the Spring and Summer terms.
“I think it’s cool that the library will have a new look,” sophomore occupational therapy major Austin Wilford said. “But in the meantime, it has been a nuisance. I normally use the library for a quiet place to study. Since the construction started, I have had to resort to using empty classrooms or my room.”
Construction was noisy and entrance closures and several offices were moved to accommodate the renovations. “There were some inconveniences for students at this stage of renovation,” Library Director Anita Dey said. “Currently, the first-floor entrances to the library are closed to students, Circulation Services will remain on the fourth-floor, and the first-floor stairwell entrance will be in place until renovations are complete.”
The closure of the first-floor is a result of many first-floor renovations. Projects include the Circulation and Access Services area, the University Archives and Special Collections viewing room and library entrance.
Students still should have some anticipation for the final product, Dey said.
“The first phase of the project is definitely an exciting factor for students,” Dey added. “The second floor is open and inviting for students to study. The tutoring centers have already shown a great improvement from years past. Tutoring sessions that would have been held in tight and crowded spaces are now very welcoming and inviting.”
The renovations will also include changes to popular campus eateries Starbucks and Albert E’s.
“We are excited to bring another national brand, Panda Express, to Albert E’s,” said SVSU Dining Services’ Marketing Manager Zach Myers. “It’ll bring a greater variety to the dining options on campus, which is something the students asked for through our surveys and focus groups. With the school’s contract, we are required to update our Starbucks every 10 years. This summer’s renovations will provide it with a fresh new look and make it more efficient.”
