Roy O. West Library to reopen next week at DePauw

The reimagined Roy O. West Library at DePauw University, featuring a variety of spaces for study, will reopen following an 18-month renovation on Monday, Jan. 30.

Courtesy DePauw University

The culmination of an 18-month renovation and expansion, DePauw University will celebrate the reopening of Roy O. West Library on Monday, Jan. 30 and the week to follow.

The university undertook the extensive renovation and upgrade of the 67-year-old structure prior to the start of the 2021-22 academic year in the name of “creating a 21st-century learning environment that fosters intellectual engagement and academic community at DePauw. As students learn and create in increasingly interactive and collaborative ways, the library remains a dynamic crossroads for the campus.”

With this mission in mind, the project added a two-story reading room with a new lower level entrance off of Indiana Street.

Additionally, Archives and Special Collections has been relocated to the lower level with space to house all of its collections. Café Roy has moved to the lower level and been expanded to include additional seating.

The books have returned to shelves on the second and third floors as well as new compact shelving in the lower level.

The library also features a variety of seating options in a mix of spaces that support group work and individual study.

Additional highlights of the renovation including a welcoming western entry as a new gateway to campus, the Tenzer Technology Center, 32-percent less energy usage, low-flow fixtures and 57-percent improved lighting efficiency.

The library staff will celebrate the reopening of Roy O. West with the following:

• Doors will open at 8 a.m. on Monday and then return to usual semester hours.

• Café Roy will provide a variety of drink samples on Monday at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. The café will open for full service early in the semester.

• Guided tours will leave from the desk at noon and 4 p.m. each day. A self-guided option will also be available.

• Visitors are invited to snap a pic at photo ops throughout the building and tag @DePauwLibraries on Instagram.

• Students may also find their new favorite study spot and browse the book stacks.