Ellington

Construction for a new $48 million library is underway at UTC, and the Dewey Decimal System never looked so good. The monolithic building of steel and glass, planned for the southeast corner of Douglas and Vine Streets, will go beyond the traditional role of a book warehouse—perhaps to become one of the top facilities for academic growth in the Southeast.

The project is crucial for the future of UTC, and seems perfectly timed as enrollment hits record highs. An analysis ten years ago found the current library to be deficient by nearly 60,000 square feet. To avoid the limitations of the existing building—which will soon celebrate its fortieth birthday—the design is focused around flexibility, featuring internal walls that can be easily and economically removed. The new structure will offer a 24-hour study space, a café, an advanced computing center with WebDewey, practice presentation rooms, lounges, moveable shelving, art storage and classrooms. Oh yes, and there will be books. In fact, a special climate-controlled area will house the library’s 6,000-plus rare book collection, including a recent gift of nearly 200 titles.

In keeping with UTC’s dedication to sustainability, the new library will be the first LEED-certified building on campus, featuring recycling centers on each floor and use of recycled water and natural light from the structure’s ample windows.

The doors will open in 2012.