Learning Commons Refresh at Howard-Tilton Memorial Library

The 1st-floor Learning Commons area of Howard-Tilton Memorial Library, the popular space to the left of the entrance to the building, has undergone a refresh, the finishing touches of which were completed this week.

The biggest change in the space is the recent installation of 11 new study tables, with frosted acrylic dividers, that provide upgraded seating for 40 users. These tables each have power outlets, and several are supplied with computer workstations and as well as assistive technologies.

Over the summer, crews worked to remove and replace the old, worn-out cork floor in the area with a new floor, which also has a slightly soft texture that reduces sounds but is made with a more durable composite material. The floor replacement extended into the area behind the library checkout and technology help desks, so the floor replacement project was expanded to include extending the portion of the checkout desk that faces the elevator lobby, which removed an old metal wall and doorway to give the desk and lobby a more open look. It also allowed the library to reorient checkout services to match the flow of library users in and out of the building.

Also, over the past couple of weeks, the old cushions for each of the 24 popular booth seats in the Learning Commons were replaced with new, improved ones.

- AC 10/04/2023