The renovation of R.P. Bell library and what make Mt.A students make of it
The R.P. Bell Library has been a staple of the Mt.A community since the 1970s, being used for help centres, classes, studying, and more. 55 years since its construction, the library is under renovations along with an interim library undergoing current construction. At this time, books and other items are being moved to the basement of Convocation Hall. As well, the basement of the library is closed for the beginning of construction.
Construction of the interim library was started this past summer, and will begin hosting students in 2027. The R.P. Bell Library’s construction is set to take approximately three years to complete, with the goal of opening in summer 2030. After the library renovations, the interim library will be converted into the Scott McCain and Leslie McLean Centre for Health and Wellness, a multi-sport complex.
The library’s renovations will close the breezeway which connects the Crabtree building to the library, the changes aimed at accessibility. The Mt.A renovation webpage described their design as “warm and inviting,” as well as “a blend of the traditional and the modern.” The newly renovated space will include silent study rooms as well as group work spaces. Other additions include a special collections reading room, access to print materials on every floor, and a classroom tailored to facilitate Universal Design for Learning. This project is estimated to cost $65 million. The funding for this is coming from various avenues, like a grant from Infrastructure Canada and the Government of New Brunswick. The rest of the funds to complete this project will come from “philanthropic support and internal resources,” said Mt.A’s webpage.
Responses to these renovations have been mixed among current students. Upper year students will not be able to enjoy this library, as they will graduate before the interim library opens. Those in their first-year of studies who take an average of four years to complete their degree, are set to graduate before the new library opens. Despite graduating, they will “have to pay money for something that I can’t even use,” said fourth-year student Krista Johnson. Some feel the money from their tuition being spent on the new library is a waste, with third-year student Flinn Cleary saying, “I don’t feel like dumping millions of dollars into a building that already functions, and is beloved by many, is really worth it.” Cleary also expressed concerns about the direct effect renovations will have on students, saying it is “not the greatest when there’s only one other study spot and all the people who study there will be flocking there,” in regards to the interim library. Fourth-year student Olivia Kingston said this renovation is, “a disruption to students and it removes the place that we’re used to studying at.”
Other reactions have been positive with second-year student Caroline Graham saying it is “a nice renovation,” however “wishes it wasn’t happening in [her] four years because it’s a bit inconvenient.” Amidst student commentary, renovations are still underway, and will host future Mt.A students on their academic journey.