From ‘dark and dated' to bright and open - Western U celebrates reopening D.B. Weldon Library
Western University celebrated the completion of the first phase of the D.B. Weldon Library revitalization project on Thursday.
The reopening of the 50-year-old building comes with positive feedback from students who weighed in on the changes to the library's aesthetics.
The goal is to bring Weldon and other campus libraries into the 21st century by bringing more light into the space.
“Our student satisfaction surveys showed they found Weldon to be dark and dated,” said Catherine Steeves, the vice-provost and chief librarian.
“I am pleased we were able to introduce more natural light and warm, radiant light throughout the learning commons.”
The university spent $15 million in renovations that included a re-design, a new student learning commons with 300 more seats, seven consultation rooms, five study rooms, and two reading lounges.
The renovations also include a separate family room that has an area for children to play while parents work on their studies.
“The students are really appreciating the new furnishings, the group study rooms, and the access to technology and services. It’s so wonderful to see everyone back on campus and in community,” Steeves added.
Lockdowns and supply chain issues led to some delays in completing phase one of the project on time, according to the vice-provost.
On Thursday morning, writers and former library staff celebrated the completion of the project with readings and a guided tour of the space.
“It’s much more open, it feels more like a community space, which is what a library should feel like,” said Matthew Dawkins, a fourth-year student, and student writer-in-residence.
As a student and author of the book ‘Until We Break’, Dawkins said the changes to the building have made it a more inviting space for students.
“With the colour and rooms like this, people having the ability to book rooms, I think there’s a lot more potential and space for collaboration and creation,” he said.
Dawkin's debut novel is set for release this fall.
The Weldon Library opened in 1972, with seven floors and over 2,400 study seats.
During exam periods, the university stated that the library can see over 10,000 visitors a day.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein's 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial
New York’s highest court on Thursday overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction, finding the judge at the landmark #MeToo trial prejudiced the ex-movie mogul with improper rulings, including a decision to let women testify about allegations that weren’t part of the case.
BREAKING Monthly earnings rise, payroll employment falls: jobs report
The number of vacant jobs in Canada increased in February, while monthly payroll employment decreased in food services, manufacturing, and retail trade, among other sectors.
Honda expected to announce Ontario EV battery plant, part of a $15B investment
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Honda executives are expected to announce today that the Japanese automaker is building an electric vehicle battery plant in Alliston, Ont., part of a $15-billion investment.
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Secret $70M Lotto Max winners break their silence
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Remains from a mother-daughter cold case were found nearly 24 years later, after a deathbed confession from the suspect
A West Virginia father is getting some sense of closure after authorities found the remains of his young daughter and her mother following a deathbed confession from the man believed to have fatally shot them nearly two decades ago.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
Metro Vancouver mayors call for serial killer Robert Pickton to be denied parole
A dozen mayors from around Metro Vancouver say federal Attorney General and Justice Minister Arif Virani should deny parole for notorious B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton, and reassess the parole and sentencing system for 'prolific offenders and mass murderers.'
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.