Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
Music students at Swarthmore will soon have something to sing about: Underhill Music Library will undergo an almost total renovation over the next two years.
According to Performing Arts Librarian Donna Fournier, the renovations will take place during the next two summers, and will cost over $500,000. A committee of about a dozen members, composed of music students, librarian staff, and music faculty, was chosen to plan the changes. “The overall goal is to make Underhill a better place to get work done, whether in groups of individually, and to provide more resources,” noted committee member Jackie Werner ’07.
The biggest change to the library is more shelving to accommodate its growing collection. The CD and LP collections will receive new shelves to allow for better organization, while the addition of compact shelving in the basement will provide additional room for scores, and the downstairs listening rooms will be renovated.
Underhill’s work space is also being reorganized to allow a better atmosphere for group work. “As of now, it can be difficult to find a comfortable place to work with a larger group,” said Werner. New furniture (“that is not from the 70’s!” quipped Werner) is being chosen to provide adequate individual and group work space. Additionally, the seminar room will be moved into the more spacious librarian’s office and new computer and listening stations will be installed in the current seminar room.
Aesthetically, Underhill will receive new carpeting, lighting, and a new ceiling. The circulation desk and student work areas will be altered and brought up to date. A new security system and improved climate control and ventilation system will be installed as well.
“New everything’ pretty much sums it up,” commented Werner, “I wish I would be around to see it.”
