Thanks to a generous $3 million gift from San Diego philanthropist, literacy advocate, and longtime supporter of the UC San Diego Library, Audrey Geisel, construction will begin this December on the first of many space enhancements, technology upgrades, and new Library services that will transform and revitalize the most actively used spaces in the Library. The gift kicks off the Geisel Library Revitalization Initiative (GLRI), a major initiative to transform and revitalize the interior public spaces of Geisel Library to meet the evolving needs of students, faculty, and other Library users in the digital age.
Geisel’s gift will support the renovation of the second, main floor of Geisel Library, including a reconfigured entrance and lobby, a significant upgrade to the existing Learning Commons as well as a new Research Commons, and a new café and lounge. The café, which no doubt will be very popular with patrons, especially with students studying around the clock in the Library’s overnight study space, is expected to open its doors in Spring 2016. Renovation efforts will include new technology enhancements, as well as new furniture, carpeting and finishes. While the gift will support the revitalization of the main floor public spaces, additional funds are needed to support renovation efforts in the public spaces on the 1st and 8th floors of the building.
“Our library facilities are being used now, more than ever,” said Brian Schottlaender, the Audrey Geisel University Librarian. “But, like many libraries across the nation, the Library is being used different than it was in the past. Our hope is that Geisel’s generous gift will lead to more support, so we can upgrade other public spaces in the building in the near future. I would urge others to join Audrey in helping to fulfill this exciting initiative to transform this iconic building into a library that is well-equipped for 21st century learners. We want this amazing building to be as inspiring on the inside as it is bold on the outside.”
For further information about the Geisel Library Revitalization Initiative, visit library.ucsd.edu/give or contact Julie Sully, Director of Development for the Library, at jsully@ucsd.edu or 858-822-4554.