Matching, orderly rows of tables and chairs greeted students returning from the holiday break this week. To get ready for the new semester, professional movers redistributed furniture throughout Swem in the first systematic attempt since the building was renovated in 2005 to coordinate form and function in the building. Among the changes visible to students and visitors:
- There is more soft seating, such as sofas and lounge chairs, around the perimeter of the building near the windows.
- Carrels are more spread out, allowing more privacy and personal space for individual study.
- On the 2nd and 3rd floors, attractive wood carrels have replaced the modular gray carrels.
- Sturdy and easily movable chairs have replaced the fragile chairs in the Read & Relax area. The chairs previously in Read & Relax are now in less populated areas on the upper floors.
In this calendar year we hope to add many more ottomans throughout the building, as well as end tables and coffee tables in the soft seating areas. Also, some study rooms and carrels will get more comfortable task seating.
Dean Carrie Cooper, who assumed her duties in August, said, “Since the renovation, students have treated Swem as a second home, which, along with the many positives, can take its toll on furnishings. By rearranging some of what we have, we’re now better prepared to fill in the gaps and assess our furniture needs. We want the members of the William & Mary community, as well as our visitors, to be as comfortable and productive as possible when they choose to use our library.”
Let us know what you think. We welcome your suggestions!