Welcome to the newly renovated Reading Rooms of the Frank J. Melville, Jr. Memorial Library!
Our vision was to transform the spaces with technology improvements, new furniture, and space management that would make our library a more welcoming place, where students can study together or work individually in an environment conducive to academic engagement and success.
Design Highlights
Increased Seating
The 55,000 sq. ft. space has almost 1,000 seats in both rooms, a 150% increase from 2000 to 2016.
Flexible Learning Spaces
- Individual study areas
- Group study areas
- Study rooms with collaborative technologies
- BYOD furniture
24-Hour Service
Always staffed with library and research experts.
- In-person and online reference service
- In-depth research assistance
- Printing and computing in both rooms
- Scanning and copying
- Technology assistance
Single-Service Point
Both rooms feature single service points, combining technology and library services.
Building Materials
Flooring and furniture materials were specifically selected for their durability, green credentials, and acoustic suitability.
Technology Infrastructure
Approx. 60 wifi access points and more than 1,200 outlets across both rooms. 92 desktop computers, 5 printers and 4 copy/scan machines.
The Reading Rooms
North Reading Room
Center of research and instruction
- 30-seat flexible learning lab
- 12 technology-enabled collaboration rooms with online reservation
- Single-service point featuring library services
- Seating supporting individual and group study
- Seating configuration maximizing natural light
- Student art exhibit area
Central Reading Room
Center of community
- Gallery space with University Archives exhibitions
- 100-person flexible event space for music, lectures, and more
- Reading nook with current periodicals and newspapers
- Two computer-enabled classrooms for instruction
- Group study rooms with collaborative technologies
Library staff are available throughout the spaces to tell you about the features and answer any questions you may have. Look for the red ‘Ask Us’ buttons!
360° Virtual Tours
North Reading Room
Central Reading Room
