Over the past few weeks I have noticed that the library (second floor in particular) has been very dirty. I was in the children’s section on Friday afternoon and it was filthy. Spoiled food under chairs, goopy residue on tables, oily/wet/dirty upholstery on chairs, and very smelly. There were also several people sleeping up there, adding to the smell. I thought that maybe the dirtiness was from a busy week and that the issue would be resolved over the weekend. Today I came in to study and found a seat by the window after passing by several seats that were too dirty to sit on because they were covered in hair or dirt (actual dirt, like a plant would grow in). When I sat down I noticed a rotting apple core (actually rotting, it had definitely been there for several days) in the windowsill and debris all around. It just seems “trashy.” It smells and I feel like I have to wipe off the tables before I can set my computer down because it is so dirty and I don’t even have high standards of cleanliness! I try and pick up trash when I see it and I know that the janitorial staff has been cut with the furloughs but the library is becoming a very gross place. Thanks for listening to my concern. I love the library, just not the grime

We are sorry that the Library has not been as clean as any of us would prefer recently. The Library has been in ongoing discussion with the custodial supervisor in Plant Operations over the need for more janitorial help in the Library and will share your concerns with him. Two contributing factors are working against us at this point: 1) the State-mandated staff furlough days which you have already mentioned, and 2) the change in the work schedules of the campus custodial team from a daytime shift to a nighttime shift. Please continue to report issues that you might have in this regard, which will help us make our case for more daytime assistance in maintaining a clean and healthy Library environment.

Wayne Perryman
Library Dean

On my return to the library this semester, I noticed the construction of a cafe in the first floor!! What’s the story with this construction? Will it bring new monies to the library? Does it serve as a new and trendy studying area and food friendly area? Best, Lance

You are absolutely correct that we are in the process of constructing a Library cafe in the lobby of the Library. The cafe project is a collaborative effort, which is being funded by the University Center, Plant Operations, and the Office of Academic Affairs. Construction will be completed over the summer and the beverage/snack bar, which will be coordinated by the University Center, is expected to open at the beginning of the fall 2009 semester. The cafe will not bring additional funds to the Library, but that was never really the intent. Our primary goal in constructing the cafe is to provide new services for our students in a comfortable and welcoming environment within the Library, in support of their academic pursuits. We know that many students spend long hours in the Library at times when other dining services on campus may not be readily available or convenient. Those hardworking students will now have the option of finding needed sustenance (particularly hot beverages, such as coffee and tea, and fresh snacks) without even having to leave the building.

More information about the Library cafe is available on the Learning Commons News page.

Wayne Perryman

Present Library policy only allows food in the Food Friendly Area on the first floor of the Library. The Library is currently reviewing this policy, including: 1) leaving the policy as is; 2) creating spaces on the second and third floors where food is also allowed; and 3) allowing food most everywhere in the Library. There is also the question of what kinds of foods are permissible for consumption in the Library. We welcome your comments below.