Students give their opinions on the library renovations
The Ralph Pickard (R.P.) Bell Library is expected to close this summer to undergo comprehensive renovations. While construction is underway, an interim library will open in the new Scott McCain and Leslie McLean Centre for Health and Wellness, currently in construction behind the Athletic Centre. The total project is planned to be finished by 2030, when the R.P. Bell Library will reopen.
According to the concept designs, the new renovations will include an enclosed breezeway between the library and Harold Crabtree Building, a new entrance on York Street, and a new layout for the main floor, including moving the stairs into the main space and removing the coloured carpets. While renovations are underway, the interim library will be an open space for storing the books, with some desks and chairs for those who wish to study in the space. The renovations will also bring electrical wiring in the building up to code.
The Argosy asked various students about their opinions on the renovations. Multiple students are concerned about the cost of this new library and how their funds are being used. The original proposed budget for the project was $65 million. However, it has now expanded to cost an estimated $85 million to $95 million. $36 million of the budget is coming from Infrastructure Canada and the Government of New Brunswick; the rest is coming from “philanthropic support and internal resources,” according to the submitted budget.
“It’s an inefficient use of university funds,” Mt.A student Autumn Trout said, noting she will have graduated once construction is complete. Trout said the University should be using this money to update accessibility in current buildings before renovating the library that she feels, as is, is “adequate.” Trout also raised concerns about the building under construction behind the Athletic Centre. Trout said that a new athletics facility should not be a “top priority.”
Second-year student Margaret Beyere said she “see[s] the renovations for the library coming out of nowhere.” While Beyere acknowledged why the building is being renovated, Beyere raised concerns about relevancy for current students. “The movement to the interim library will be happening in between my second and third year, so I won’t even have access to this new library once it’s finished. It’s kind of hard for me to see the benefit,” Beyere said. Beyere also had concerns about the interim library being built primarily as a sports complex. Beyere is unsure if the space will be functional as a place where she can study and focus, but is “interested to see how the University plans to address it.”
Student Lilah Villanueva said, “I think the current setup of the library is really good for studying, and the way it goes from louder to quieter as you go up.” Villanueva said, “the decoration of the library is important for the mindset you’re in when you’re studying.”