The Chilliwack Education Park (CEP) library will be undergoing renovations this semester to expand its study and event hosting spaces and increase the visibility of services.
The changes will include the addition of a flex-space to the right of the library entrance that can be used either as a study space or to host events and activities, additional group study rooms, and a group presentation space.
The Academic Success Centre and Math and Stats Centre will be moved from the back of the library to the front, where they will be visible to students entering the library.
The front library desk will also be expanded. Currently a large cement pillar blocks the view of the library entrance, and the front desk will be pushed out so the library staff are visible as soon as students enter the library.
With the renovations comes a new look. Leslie Olsen, library technician-in-charge at CEP, said that an important part of the renovations included finding a way to incorporate Indigenous elements in the new design.
Shirley Anne Hardman, senior advisor on Indigenous affairs, and Josephine Charlie, activities & cultural assistant at the Indigenous Student Centre, were consulted during the design process and suggested incorporating aspects of the river in a subtle way to the library.
The idea was brought to the architects, and the theme was incorporated into the design of the space.
“They really liked the river idea, because we are so close to the Vedder River here. Their vision for the lighting is quite interesting. They see this as waves and bubbles,” Olsen said, pointing out the lighting fixtures depicted in the art concept of the flex-space.
The new colours continue the idea of bringing the outside in with natural wood tones, and greens and blues. One of the fabrics was chosen because the design reminded the architects of water plants.
The renovations will begin in the next few weeks and should be completed around the end of the Winter 2020 semester.
The library will remain open during renovations. However, as with any renovations, the work in the library will be disruptive to both the students using the space and staff. There will be an effort to reduce disruptions by scheduling louder work during weekends or vacations and walling off areas where work is being done.
Additional space will be found for students looking for study space. Students can find information on what classrooms are open to them on a week-by-week basis by contacting the library.
During the renovations, the Academic Success Centre and the Math Centre will be relocated to the second floor of CEP in room 2416.
The computer lab will still be open for student use as well as the tables along the east wall of the library. The library will remain open, and students will still be able to check out books and seek help from the librarians.
The library moved to its current location in 2012, but since, its capacity has increased. A number of events have been hosted in the library but have had to be set up in the library entrance, which Olsen said “does get a little cramped.”
Over the last year, the library has been host to the Chilliwack Long Night Against Procrastination, Saint John Ambulance therapy dogs, and Indigenous arts and cultural activities, just to name a few.
The large flex-space will include tables for students to study at, but will also be easy to shuffle around for larger gatherings. There will also be a television for presentations.
The changes to the library layout will enable the creation of two additional group study rooms, for a total of four. There will also be a small area for practising presentations, with a writable wall and a screen for PowerPoints.
Olsen said she is excited about the changes and the new student spaces it will create.
“We just think it will be more welcoming, and a more flexible space. The services that are helpful for students will be visible,” Olsen said.
The library will be updating their page on the UFV website as new information becomes available and as plans are confirmed. Check in online or in person at the CEP library for more information on available study spaces and updates on the renovations.
Illustration: UFV Marketing
