Blog

May 07, 2023

HALE UPDATE: First through fourth floors now open, offer new spaces to explore

The second through fourth floors of Hale Library opened to Kansas State

The second through fourth floors of Hale Library opened to Kansas State students, faculty and community on Monday, including the Historic Farrell Library and the restored Great Room.

However, on a day meant for new beginnings, the winter weather had other plans.

Darchelle Martin, director of communications and marketing, said foot traffic was light on opening day because of the weather. The library closed at 5 p.m. and will remain closed Tuesday after a campus-wide closure.

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"I think the cold weather has definitely impacted the number of students in the building today, not surprisingly," Martin said. "But several students already found their way to the Great Room and other newly opened spaces."

But looking to the future, Lori Goetsch, dean of libraries, said the next goal is to get the fifth floor and basement finished and open.

"We’ll definitely have programs tailored to the new spaces in Hale once we get post-[COVID-19]," Goetsch said in an email. "The Friends of the K-State Libraries are anxious to resume their concert series, hopefully next fall, and we’ll be talking about speakers and other opportunities that we can bring to the community."

There will be a virtual ribbon-cutting and celebration Apr. 15., but no in-person events are currently scheduled because of COVID-19.

The three newly opened floors offer visitors a variety of new spaces to explore, learn and collaborate with more collaboration rooms, computers, printers and scanners.

Part of the second floor of Historic Farrell Library is the new home for the Dow Center for Multicultural and Community Studies.

The third floor has graduate study rooms located just outside the Great Room but aren't open at this time. More study spaces, a meditation space and a Wudu wash station are also on the third floor.

The fourth floor is the designated quiet floor for students who prefer a quiet space to concentrate on their work.

Hours of operation for first through fourth floor this week-

Hours of operation for first through fourth floor starting Feb. 22-

For updates about books and other materials returned to Hale Library, the Hale Library blog offers more information.