Please read Sustainable Features of the New Library by Connie Bisson, if you would like to learn more about the construction practices, local building materials, and local craftsman used in the project.
On June 28th at 8 a.m., Library and Information Services opened Middlebury College's new library to the public. Finishing touches on the building continued to be made in preparation for the week-long celebration in October, 2004 .
Some of the many features of the building are:
Media viewing rooms for up to 12 people, equipped with 42" plasma screens and surround sound. The Help Desk (previously in Voter) is now on the Main Level of the Library. 10 group study rooms for quiet or group study. Plenty of comfortable study areas offering a variety of seating options including armchairs, recliners, private study desks, and large tables crafted from certified Vermont maple, with nearly every public seat having access to a network outlet. A building-wide wireless network. A new café that will be a 24-hour study area when the library is closed. A Media Development Lab devoted to multimedia capturing, editing and presenting. The newly formed Center for Teaching, Learning and Research which integrates several campus resources: the First-Year Seminar Program, the Writing Program, academic advising, faculty support for teaching and research, peer tutoring, the Office of Learning Resources, and the office of Sponsored Research. State of the art classrooms, lecture hall and seminar room.