People

2018 marks the year we leave our quarters in Bailey/Howe Library and take up residence in the historic Billings Library. We will be closed from July 9-August 19 for moving. We plan to reopen in Billings on August 20 (revised opening date, 7/26/18). Check here for construction updates and photos.

July Update #2: Opening Rescheduled

We must announce that we will not be able to open the doors to the Silver Special Collections on the second level of the Billings Library until Monday, August 20.

The good news is that Operation BBB--Books Back to Billings--is underway and moving along nicely.

July Update

Just over a year of construction activity at the Billings Library has ended with the award of a certificate of occupancy from the City of Burlington. The space looks great, and we are busy packing for a move in early August. We are grateful to everyone who worked on the renovation project. Schwartz/Silver Architects, Inc. of Boston designed the project and ReArch Co. of South Burlington served as project coordinator, with Steve Rowe as superintendent. At UVM, Kate Coffey in Facilities Design and Construction was the project manager, assisted by construction specialist Dan Williams. Library facility manager Scott Miller did an extraordinary job of keeping information flowing and helping us make good decisions in a timely manner.

May Update and Schedule Change

Although the project is moving along at a great pace, we recently learned that we won't be able to occupy the new space until August 6. We will now be closed from July 9-August 5. 

Carpeting has been installed, and shelves are ready and waiting in the reading room. 

The reference desk is in place.

We will have twice as many lockers in our new lobby.

April Update

On April 17, University Communications staff toured Billings with UVM Libraries staff to check on the renovation progress. The construction crews have really moved the project forward during the last month.

The Special Collections and University Archives offices are almost ready for painting. All the staff are excited about offices with windows. Offices on the north side have views of Ira Allen Chapel. 

Compact shelving for books and manuscript collections has been installed in the closed stacks.

University Communications staff talk with Scott Miller from the UVM Libraries about the climate control and fire protection systems.

One of the last remnants of the building's incarnation as a student center, this door will soon be painted.

Work crews were cleaning construction dust from the North Lounge, which will be a study area with tables, chairs, and soft seating.

March Progress

In early March, Special Collections staff joined UVM architect Kate Coffey and project coordinator Scott Miller for another building tour. Here are some photos of the work in progress.

The North Lounge.

Special Collections staff, Kate Coffey and Scott Miller inspect the Apse, our future exhibit space.

A view from the balcony looking down on the main lobby and into the Apse.

Jeff Marshall and Scott Miller in the Round Room. Work stations for processing and scanning will surround the central stone pillar.

The construction crew is getting ready to pour concrete around the rails for the compact shelving in the closed stacks.

Moving Schedule

We have updated our hours to indicate that Special Collections and University Archives will be closed from July 6-August 5 for moving. We plan to reopen in Billings on Monday, August 6. Updated to reflect schedule change.

January Report

Construction crews are hard at work renovating the architectural landmark designed by H.H. Richardson.  Roof repairs and exterior stone work were completed in the fall. Interior spaces have been gutted and are now being adapted for Special Collections and University Archives.  On several occasions, our staff members have donned hardhats and safety vests to see the work in progress. In November we joined the projects architects to help pick the carpets.

The renovation project should be complete by late spring, and Special Collections staff is gearing up to make everything ready for a summer move. We are planning a grand opening celebration in the fall, followed by a year of outstanding programs and exhibits.