Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies News

Celebrating the Grand Reopening of the Library in Stewart Center: Purdue Libraries Opens Doors to a Transformed Learning Space

January 10th, 2024

After months of anticipation, the library in Stewart Center celebrated its grand reopening on January 8th, coinciding with the commencement of the spring semester. This momentous occasion marked the inaugural phase of the 2023 Libraries Master Plan execution, a culmination of meticulous refresh that has revitalized the library’s second and third floors.

Welcoming the audience, Beth McNeil, dean of Libraries and School of Information Studies, expressed her privilege in presenting the newly transformed library space. 

Dr. Patrick Wolfe, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs and Diversity, then highlighted the significance of the Stewart Center library as one of the busiest on campus, attracting students from diverse disciplines. Following his remarks, Shye Robinson, the current president of the Undergraduate Student Body, emphasized the crucial need to provide library space for Purdue’s ever-growing student body. As a passionate advocate for the library in Stewart Center, she hoped that the rising numbers of students enrolling at the university would share her enthusiasm for this particular learning hub.

The grand reopening is the result of a monumental project backed by a $10 million allocation from campus leadership, approved by the Board of Trustees in 2022. This funding played a pivotal role in the physical refresh of the library as well as the strategic relocation of thousands of print materials to an off-site repository located at 2550 Northwestern Ave. These books can be conveniently delivered to campus twice a day, ensuring enhanced accessibility and efficiency. 

Reflecting its commitment to meeting the dynamic needs of the academic community, the library now boasts more seating, innovative study furniture, and increased technological capabilities, including additional electrical outlets. The reopening of these two floors signals the commencement of a new era of learning and collaboration, reaffirming Purdue’s dedication to providing a world-class academic environment for Boilermakers.