Access the Webster Library from its new temporary entrance on Mackay St.
An architectural rendering of the Webster Library’s future main staircase leading to the second floor (LB2).
| Image courtesy of Menkès Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux Architectes
Phase 3 of the Webster Library Transformation is well under way.
As part of the project, the R. Howard Webster Library will close on Saturday, May 7, at 9 p.m. and reopen on Tuesday, May 10, at 9 a.m.
If you need to return items due on May 7 to 9, you can do so at one of the two book drops located on the second floor of the J.W. McConnell Building (LB2).
Please don’t use the book drops to return laptops or tablets. This could damage the computers.
Please note: You won’t incur fines for not returning items — such as books, course packs, laptops and tablets — that are due back on May 8 or 9.
If you can’t drop off your due items by 4:45 p.m. on May 7, item due dates will be automatically extended to May 10 at 11 a.m.
New, temporary entrance on Mackay Street
When the library reopens on the morning of May 10, library users and staff will be required to use the new temporary entrance on Mackay Street — just look for the colourful project signage.
The staircase leads directly to the third floor of the LB Building (LB3), which will temporarily house the circulation, reference and information desks. There, you’ll also find the beautiful, new space delivered as part of Phase 1.
If you have mobility challenges, or wish to take the elevator, simply use the lift in the lobby of the LB Building — look for the colourful elevator wrap and press the button for LB3.
Why the temporary entrance?
The main staircase leading from the atrium to LB2 will be closed for a major transformation, as will the second floor of the library. Both spaces will reopen in winter 2017.
Audio books and music will fill the new staircase with words and sounds to create a transitional environment and encourage silence as visitors move from the outside world into the library. Its function will be utilitarian, inspirational and experiential.
Webster Library (LB3) delivered as part of Phase 1: One of two large, enclosed reading rooms containing a total of 210 seats, including 48 seats at tables with desktop computers and 84 carrels.
The Webster Library's fifth floor (LB5) transformation was delivered as part of Phase 2. It includes collaborative space and five new group-study rooms. Three of the rooms double as librarian-consultation rooms.
And, don’t forget, you can also use the Georges P. Vanier Library on the Loyola Campus.
Closed for the summer
The Grey Nuns Reading Room on the Sir George Williams Campus closes on May 2 and reopens on September 6.
Keep up to date on what’s happening during the Webster Library Transformation by reading the blog.
