Lila D. Bunch Library will undergo some major changes in the coming months by opening for 24 hours on weekdays as well as opening a new cafe.
The changes, which will begin with an extension of hours shortly after spring break, were announced by Student Government Association President Eric Deems, at the Ask Dr. Fisher Q&A session Wednesday morning.
Under the new plan, the library will open at 1 p.m. Sunday and stay open until 7 p.m. the following Friday. It will also be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday.
Next semester, the library will also add a new cafe. The shop will sell soups, sandwiches, coffee, desserts, and more, and will be similar to Corner Court or What’s Bruin, said SGA Vice President Kevin Sanders.
The shop will be placed between the Leu Art Gallery and the computer lab, right of the circulation desk.
The changes are intended to turn the library into the primary study spot in campus, Sanders said. During the extended hours (11 p.m. to 9 a.m.), the complete first floor and the rotundas of the second and third floors will be open to students. During that time, the rotundas will be more open to group study, and the first floor will observe quiet hours.
Initially, students’ reactions to the announcement have been very positive.
“Students seem to be very excited about it,” Sanders said. “It’s a big win for us.”
The plan, initially introduced by SGA and rumored to be in the works since last semester, took a lot of cooperation from the departments of Library Services, Campus Security, Student Affairs, and Enrollment Services.
“Administration, senior leadership, faculty, and students have had to work together to make this happen,” Sanders said.
According to reference librarian Rachel Scott, the changes are something students have advocated for years.
“It’s something students have put a lot of thought in,” she said. “SGA has really pushed for it and advocated it. They’ve been the force behind this.”
The hours extensions are not currently permanent. Library workers plan to take a head count during the extended hours from the implementation of the changes until the end of next semester. The schedule may change based on use and attendance during these hours.
Because of these changes, the Beaman will shorten their hours and close at 1 a.m. instead of 3 a.m.