Library unveils new cafe, expands late-night study space

Library unveils new cafe, expands late-night study spaceJanuary 07, 2008Pamela McLaughlinpwmclaug@syr.edu

With the start of the Spring 2008 semester, E.S. Bird Library will unveil a number of changes to its physical space and services to provide a more welcoming environment for students and members of the community.

As the first phase in an overall master plan for Bird Library’s renovation, the new cafe will open on the first floor. The cafe will feature Freedom of Espresso coffees — a locally known brand — as well as a variety of other beverage and food options. Students will be able to use their SUpercard for cafe purchases. The library will soon announce a contest to choose a name for the new cafe.

At the same time, the glass walls that now separate the first floor study space from the library proper will be removed. The entrance checkpoint and gate will also be removed and a new exit system installed at the Waverly Avenue and University Place doors. When this occurs, all three lower floors — the lower level through the second floor — will be available for late-night study, providing a much larger amount and greater variety of study spaces. Group study will be concentrated on the first floor and quiet study on the lower level and second floors. Floors 3 through 6 will be closed during late-night study hours.

To ensure a safe and secure environment, the library will implement new methods for accessing library workstations. Access to all library workstations will now require a login. SU-affiliated users will use their NetID and password to login to library workstations. Visitors without a NetID will need to complete a registration process to obtain a login I.D. and password.

In conjunction with these changes, Bird Library will be closed to unaffiliated visitors at 9 p.m. daily; a current SU I.D. will be required to enter Bird Library after 9 p.m. I.D.-only hours will be prominently posted.

For additional information, contact Lisa Moeckel, associate university librarian for academic services, at 443-2573 or lemoecke@syr.edu.