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A number of changes will be taking place in the Library, the estimated starting time will be around the beginning of the Fall semester.This remodeling project will:
- Provide more space for our Bound Periodical collection.
- Create a new home for Special Collections with enhanced research space and storage capacity.
- Provide for a more spacious and improved all-campus computer facility; and
- Create a specially designed computer classroom for instruction purposes.
September
- Temporary bound periodical shelving will be installed in Whitesitt Hall, beginning September 26th.
- Moving of the bound periodicals will be started as soon as the shelving is in. When the temporary move is complete, bound periodicals will be available only by a paging system.
October
- Elevator upgraded for ADA accessibility
- Asbestos abatement begins in basement - October 30th.
December 2000
- Bids let on Library renovation project - Dec. 1st.
- New Periodicals shelves are relocated to the Index & Abstract area on the main floor - Dec. 11th-
February 2001
- Renovation scheduled to begin - Feb. 12th
March 2001
Centennial Bell Tower
Starting in May 2000, the Library grounds began physical construction, breaking ground for the 60 foot Centennial Bell Tower, a gift of the graduating classes of 1993-96., courtesy of Connie Kays, Director of Development).
The Tower contains an 800 pound, 34 inch diameter bell, cast in 1874 by the Meneely Bell Company of West Troy, New York. It originally hung in a church in Somerset, Pennsylvania. The bell has been refurbished by Brosamer's Bells in Brooklyn, Michigan. The bell was obtained for the Tower by the family of the late PSU Foundation Trustee O. W. "Jack" Armstrong, a 1942 graduate of PSU. Other funding was provided by Lavonne and Lynn Monroe, Alhambra, CA, Richard and Faith Coleman, Pittsburg, KS, and U.S. Congressman Joseph and Mary Jess Skubitz, Wichita, KS.
The Tower was completed for Homecoming 2000, and a dedication of the Tower and premier striking of the bell took place on October 21 at 12:00 noon.
Ringing the Centennial Tower bell will begin a new tradition at PSU. Students will be able to sound out sports victories. Senior students may ring the bell after completion of final exams signifying their passage from students to anumnus. Other special occasions will also be designated by the University.
Construction timeline
Framing started for Plaza area seats surrounding the tower base: approx. 7-2-00. Top section of the tower is placed on the tower base: 7-6-00. Fill added to Plaza area and framing set in place: approx. 7-19-00. Plaza benches and walkways finished by 8-4-00. Brick work started on base structure. Plaques for each graduating class set into the four supports: 8-7-00. Brick laid in Plaza walkway and construction barriers removed: 8-14-00. Lighting installed to the tower supports: 8-24-00. Upper archway skirting material added: 8-25-00. Clock housings set in place and clocks installed: 9-6-00 and 9-7-00. Hands placed on clocks: 9-13-00. Upper weathercaps installed on masonry area and all joints caulked: 10-2-00. Scaffolding removed from the plaza area: 10-3-00. 10-9-00: Final landscaping work begun around the Plaza area.
Related links
- Article on Bob Brosamer from the Maine Antique Digest
- InsightPSU article on the July 6th placement of the top section of the Tower
- InsightPSU article on the Tower Dedication.
- Keltek Trust: Sound of Bells, a page on bells of this kind
- The Acoustics of Bells
Beginning October 2nd, remodeling of the Library basement necessitates relocating our bound periodicals collection. The remodeling work will last approximately nine months.During their temporary storage in Whitesitt Hall, the bound periodicals will be available only by a paging system. If you need to look at a hard copy, or if you need a photocopy of an article from a bound periodical, you must fill out one of two forms located at the Periodicals, Reference, or Circulation desks. Forms are also available in the KTC branch library. Deliver the completed forms to the Periodicals Desk.
To see a hard copy, fill out a Bound Periodicals form at any of the four locations. Please allow 24 hours, then pick the material up at the Circulation desk. Material will be held for pickup for 72 hours. Please return the periodicals to the Circulation desk when done.
To obtain a photocopy of an article from a bound source, fill out a photocopy form at any location. Copies will be made within 24 hours and will be filed for pickup in the Interlibrary Loan Department. The cost for this copy service is ten cents per page.
Stay tuned to these pages for further information and photos.
