Date: 01.04.2024
As we start the new year, phase one construction in Watson Library is nearing completion. Furniture is scheduled to arrive in the library tomorrow, and final detail work will continue through the month of January. As the semester starts, please stop in and take a look at the new spaces.
Date: 12.04.2023
Like so many projects these days, our library renovation project encountered a series of delays causing us to not meet the initial completion deadline of 11.17.2023. Still yet, progress continues, and the new lobby area, restrooms, and high-tech classroom are taking shape. We do not have an estimated completion date at this time, but there is a high likelihood that everything will be completed during the spring semester.
In the meantime, if you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at any time.
Thank you,
Michael Wells
Library Director
Wilmington College
Phone: 937.481.2346
Date: 10.20.2023
Progress continues with the Watson Library renovation. As of now, we are still on schedule for a mid-November completion of the substantial portion of the project. Later sub-phases of the project such as outfitting technology in the new classroom, setup of our new public computer workspace, and the establishment of the Center for Teaching Excellence will continue over the winter break and into the spring semester. We now have a new sidewalk leading to the new ADA compliant entry on the south facing side of the library and walls are going up for the new suite of restrooms (images below).
Thank you,
Michael Wells
Library Director
Wilmington College
Phone: 937.481.2346
Date: 09.21.2023
If you have been anywhere near the Watson Library this week, you have heard jackhammers and concrete saws. Below are images showing the results of that noise. New plumbing is being installed for the restrooms, and within the next week the new entry should begin to take shape.
As a reminder:
The Watson Library will be CLOSED Thursday September 28th and possibly Friday September 29th for electrical work relating to our renovation. We will post updates on our website and over social media regarding the status of September 29th as we know more.
Online reference services will be available through email and video chat (by appointment via "Schedule a Librarian") during this time.
Thank you,
Michael Wells
Library Director
Wilmington College
Phone: 937.481.2346
Date: 09.19.2023
The Watson Library will be CLOSED Thursday September 28th and possibly Friday September 29th for electrical work relating to our renovation. We will post updates on our website and over social media regarding the status of September 29th as we know more.
Online reference services will be available through email and video chat (by appointment via "Schedule a Librarian") during this time.
Thank you,
Michael Wells
Library Director
Wilmington College
Phone: 937.481.2346
Date: 09.08.2023
Dear Wilmington College Library Patrons,
Work continues on what will eventually be the new entry, lounge, and restrooms.
Aside from the continued demolition, we have no other updates this week. Please check back each week for new pictures and information.
Thank you,
Michael Wells
Library Director
Wilmington College
Phone: 937.481.2346
Date: 09.05.2023
Dear Wilmington College Library Patrons,
Construction continues to progress as we enter the second week of work here in the library.
Unfortunately, due to circumstances relating to the construction project, the library will need to remain closed on Sunday evenings this semester. We are planning to restore our Sunday evening hours in January following the completion of the renovation. We appreciate your understanding as we work to modernize your Watson Library for the years to come.
Thank you,
Michael Wells
Library Director
Wilmington College
Phone: 937.481.2346
Date: 08.25.2023
Dear Wilmington College Library Patrons,
Below are images from the first week of the 2023 Watson Library renovation. We will attempt to post images of our progress, along with any substantive information pertaining to library hours and services each week.
Thank you,
Michael Wells
Library Director
Wilmington College
Phone: 937.481.2346
Date: 08.03.2023
Dear Wilmington College Library Patrons,
After further meetings with our general contractor team, we would like to provide our community with the following updates. All dates below are tentative.
Construction Start Date: August 21st, 2023 - This will be the official start of the project, however additional prep work will continue in the library's main level prior to August 20th.
The general contractor and the Wilmington College team will be having construction update meetings on a regular basis. Following each meeting we will provide an appropriate update on this webpage. Our first monthly (full team) meeting will be August 29th and our first smaller weekly meeting will start August 22nd.
Estimated Date of Completion: November 17th, 2023 - this is a tentative date at this time.
Possible Closure: Our general contractor has agreed to provide the College with two weeks’ notice for any potential closure. The length of closure is estimated at one to two days, and every effort will be made to schedule those days adjacent to the weekend. More information will be provided as we know more.
Thank you,
Michael Wells
Library Director
Wilmington College
Phone: 937.481.2346
Date: 08.02.2023
Dear Wilmington College Library Patrons,
We wanted to provide you with an update on the exciting construction project underway at Watson Library. As we navigate this process, we acknowledge that there are still many details to be worked out, but we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. After productive meetings with our architects, general contractors, and electricians this week, we have some key points to share with you:
1. Temporary Closure: The library will need to close for a period to accommodate crucial upgrades. While we cannot specify the exact duration at this time, it is expected to be relatively short, likely not exceeding two weeks.
2. Relocation of Circulation Desk: At some point near the start of the semester, we will be relocating the circulation desk. This may occur right before the start of the semester or shortly thereafter. During this process, the existing computers used for patron access in the library will be offline. These patron access computers will likely remain offline until later in the project when a new lab will be setup in the back of the main level. We are hopeful to restore full computer access towards the end of the project, but it is possible that this new lab will not be complete until the spring semester.
3. Library Instruction: Library instruction will not be conducted on-site in the library during the Fall Semester. Instead, we will work with faculty members to provide instruction either in their classrooms or via virtual platforms like Zoom.
4. Asbestos Abatement: We want to assure you that the required asbestos abatement for the building is not a reason for the anticipate library closure currently. Any possible closure should be related to electrical work. If this changes, we will provide updates on this webpage.
5. "Watson Library Construction Update" Webpage: We have created this page to keep everyone informed of our progress, the "Watson Library Construction Updates" page will serve as the official source for announcements about any closures and progress. We encourage you to visit this page regularly and share it with others. It will be the central hub for all project-related communications. Updates posted on this page will also be sent out via the Wilmington College app.
6. Library Circulation and ILL Services: At this time, we anticipate that library circulation, course reserves, and interlibrary loan (ILL) services will remain available while the building is open. If this changes, we will post updates here and notify the campus via the Wilmington College app.
We understand that this period may present some inconveniences, but we are committed to making the library an even better space for all of you. As we move forward, we ask for your flexibility and understanding. Together, we can create a library environment that enhances your learning and research experiences. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us. Your support and cooperation are greatly appreciated.
Thank you for being a part of this exciting transformation!
Sincerely,
Michael Wells
Library Director
Wilmington College
Phone: 937.481-2346
