Monday, July 10, 2006
Grand opening of Rice Library
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Two years and two months following the groundbreaking event for Rice Library, a grand opening of what will be the signature building at the University of Southern Indiana will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 23, 2006. The new library building retains the name David L. Rice Library, named for the University’s founding president. The original library, built in 1971, was named the David L. Rice library in 1992 in recognition of Dr. Rice’s leadership for 25 years. The dramatic size of Rice Library and its environment, which prompts reading, study, and research, makes it a focal point among USI structures. President H. Ray Hoops said, “The new Rice Library is a transforming building. The building will change the way people view USI.” Striking interior The open, colorful interior has group-study rooms, a two-story periodicals reading room, and reading areas, including a grand reading room with ambient light from a wall of windows that frame views of campus and landscapes beyond. A public corridor, with open seating at the north end, extends across the width of the building. On the south end is the first Starbucks coffee shop on campus, operated by the University’s Food Services. The corridor permits access to the coffee shop and commons without entering the secure library area. Visitors will see the circulation area, the reference desk, government documents, popular reading and media areas, and more. Library staff will be available to answer questions. Visitors may view University Archives and Special Collections on the third floor. Lambing chairs, created by alumnus Kenny Fisher, are a feature of the Special Collections. Fisher’s lambing chairs are studio furniture modeled after a popular style of chair used by English shepherds. In addition to the four levels of the library, the new building offers a lower level of 16 technology-enhanced classrooms and a 125-seat auditorium. Art created by USI faculty A limestone relief placed 30 feet high on the front rotunda is the work of Kathryn Waters, professor of art, and John McNaughton, professor emeritus of art. The limestone panel reflects the view looking out a library window. It depicts the Liberal Arts Center, located directly west, with a laptop computer, books, a mortarboard, a pen, and a coffee mug inscribed with a USI logo. The artistic façade is being made possible by a major gift of Dorothea J. Schlechte, an Evansville resident and long-time supporter of the arts. A wooden sculpture, also by McNaughton, will be a highlight of the first- floor periodicals room. Called “Take a Magic Carpet Ride,” the art is approximately 7 ½ feet wide by 13 feet long, including six-inch hand-carved wooden fringe at the top and bottom. It is painted in tones of teal, ochre, and sienna. McNaughton invites students to appreciate and enjoy their four years at USI with the magic carpet theme. He said, “Often college is a wonderful time that we don’t appreciate until we look back on it. “It offers some of the freest time in our lives, but it can be fleeting, like a magic carpet.” Refreshments and entertainment During the grand opening, light refreshments will be served and entertainment will be provided by Rowan Tree Celtic Band, Bend in the River Brass Band, and harpist Jennifer Reed. The public is invited to the grand opening to celebrate its namesake, the state legislators, architects, contractors, construction workers, suppliers, and library staff who have made the building possible. |
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