The Facts: NCSU Libraries breaks ground on Hunt Library Friday. The ceremony, which will be attended by several North Carolina and University leaders, is the latest in a string of student-focused improvements to the library system.
Our Opinion: Hunt Library is the latest in a line of helpful additions NCSU Libraries has made to facilitate the social and academic development of students.
Lt. Governor Walter Dalton, Chancellor Jim Woodward, UNC-System President Erskine Bowles, Student Body President Jim Ceresnak and Governor James B. Hunt Jr. will be in attendance for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new James B. Hunt Jr. Library on Centennial Campus Friday.
The beginning of construction on the $115 million project is a great step forward for the University and highlights a series of constructive moves for NCSU Libraries in the last few years.
The East Wing renovation project at D.H. Hill Library has dramatically increased the number of students who utilize the library for relaxation and studying, it is an open and welcoming space that students can take pride in. The renovation, among other expansion and renovation projects, led to a 42-percent increase in library visits during the past academic year. The libraries now serve an astounding 16,000 visitors a day.
Popularity brings the burden of capacity along with it though, the libraries current facilities can only support seating for five percent of the University’s students — the UNC-System advises schools accommodate 20 percent of students. Hunt Library will double the libraries seating capacity and bring a new academic and social core to Centennial Campus.
One of the best parts of the project from a student perspective is that they won’t have to pay for the new library; taxpayers and private contributors are paying the entire cost of the project.
Kenan Library of Veterinary Medicine has also undergone a recent renovation. Providing students on the Veterinary Campus with another valuable learning resource.
NCSU Libraries has made tremendous strides to improve the quality and quantity of its services. The Hunt Library, renovations to D.H. Hill Library and the Kenan Library of Veterinary Medicine have and will improve the quality of library services.
D.H. Hill has met student needs and found innovative ways to provide students with relaxation in the East Wing and given them a scoop of pleasure with the Creamery addition.
The capstone of the recent renovations, the Hunt Library, will be laid down tomorrow — the ground breaking of its newest achievement.