Leavey Library opens with renovations

The $20 million renovation of Leavey Library, which began in summer 2014, will finish on Thursday.

In December of last year, Undergraduate Student Government conducted a survey of students to determine if there was a need for renovation and, if so, what specific areas needed improvement.

Hugh McHarg, associate dean of planning and communications at USC Libraries, explained what renovations have taken place during the summer. As of now, renovations are focused only on the lower level, the ground level and the outdoor terrace.

The terrace has temporary furniture that will be replaced before the end of the semester with permanent furniture that will allow for 130 to 150 new seats for studying outdoors.

On the ground level, there are 43 new seats available for studying, a 40 percent increase from last year. Improvements on the lower level include brand new furniture that allows for 115 new spaces for studying, a 43 percent increase.

Additionally, the interior of Leavey received a much-welcomed facelift with new carpeting and floors, replacing the turquoise and pink combination for softer colors such as cream and mocha on the walls.

McHarg said the USC Libraries are grateful for input and support from students for the renovations.

“[I owe] a lot of this to USG in advocating to renovate the space,” he said. “They have had two resolutions passed in two years and now the library is happy to be able to listen to students.”

He also noted the importance of a good study atmosphere for students.

“It was great to hear from the students last year, their vocalization of passion of library spaces for them,” McHarg said. “For a lot of undergraduates, the library is a central part of their experience.”

Students also seemed to welcome the changes. Myklyn Balmut, a junior majoring in political science and international relations, said the updates to the building have encouraged her to utilize the new resources.

“I had a great roommate to study with freshman year and have lived in a single for two years now,” she said. “But the renovations are definitely a motivation for me to check out Leavey Library as a place for individual and group studying this year.”

Jakov Stulic, a senior majoring in theatre and creative writing, also said he is now looking forward to using Leavey Library this year.

“The renovations will allow the library to serve as a tool for students that both welcomes them and encourages them to keep studying,” he said.

Raquel Buscaino, a freshman majoring in physics and computer science is excited to have a renovated library for her four years at USC.

“It was very refreshing when I walked into Leavey,” she said. “It is now a very good environment to study and will continue to be very attractive to students. Leavey will be my home.”