​​Ashland University has undergone countless renovations, changes, and makeovers throughout its history, but nothing has come close to the $40 million renovations the university has seen this summer.
It is clear to notice the newly paved pathways, the air conditioning and private bathrooms added to dorm rooms, and the new and improved dining hall outdoor seating. However, the library on campus was supposed to go over an extreme makeover this summer as well.
With all of the recent renovations on campus, the priority became finishing pathways, including the Claremont bridge, before anything else.
The plan for the library was put on the back burner for the summer, but the campus plans to start renovations in the coming months according to Ashland University President Dr. Carlos Campo.
“We have been prioritizing the campus beautification project, and wanted to get the Clayton housing and bridge, walkways, lighting, and signage completed first so that most will be ready for the start of the semester,” Campo said. “Other elements, including the exciting, new library cafe, are planned to be completed in 2023. That has been the plan from the start.”
According to the Ashland University website press report on the News Center, “A café will be added to the first floor of the iconic Archer Library as part of the general library renovation project.”
“This new glassed-in atrium structure will enclose the existing northern patio and create an inviting presence for students as well as the entire Ashland community,” the report continued.
The addition of a café in the library is to serve as a central point on campus where students can grab a quick snack, coffee, or whatever it may be that they need throughout the day.
A prime example of what the café will serve as is the Eagles Nest, which is located in the Student Center on campus.
The new glass exterior of the library looks to freshen up the campus and be a part of the $10.4 million gift from Dwight and Martha Schar to help with several beautification updates to enhance the campus.
Alongside the newly added café and glass exterior, the university plans to move the eSports facility out of the library basement as well. As it stands now, the eSports team facility plans to move to the Five Stones Community Church this upcoming spring.
With the recent shifting of personnel and groups around campus, the Five Stones Community Church has been used in recent years as the COVID-19 testing facility. The eSports change would give them a personal facility to allow for them to host events and schools here on campus. This in turn opens up the library basement for changes and improvements.
Head coach of the Ashland University eSports program Chance Mueller said, “If we could relocate our Esports facility we would be able to host more events on campus and bring other schools to Ashland. This can bring in revenue for the school and our esports program while getting our name out there.”
With the abundance of changes happening to the library, it seems as though such a massive project will take a lot of time and thought to execute.
“The plan for library renovations is extensive and multi-year,” Campo continued. “With the Ashbrook Center move and other factors–including outstanding donor support–we have been working with a broad constituency to determine the strategic plan for the library and will be making formal announcements about the plans in the days ahead.”
With the recent construction around campus rounding the corner to the finish line, the timeline for the upcoming renovations to the library starting seems to draw closer.