In the fall of 2017 the University Libraries submitted a State Capital Funding Request Project Proposal for carpet replacement and modernization. We were thrilled to learn this spring that our projects have been chosen! The funding comes to Wright State from the State of Ohio’s 2-year capital budget. These are one-time funds for capital projects such as deferred maintenance and tangible improvements. Our plan is to replace the 20-year-old carpet in the public areas of the library and modernize furniture and study spaces.

In 2015, the library staff conducted a detailed building use study to determine how, where and why students study in the Dunbar Library. We learned a lot! The students requested more quiet study areas and private spaces for individuals and groups to meet. They asked for updated furniture and a cleaner, more welcoming environment. We plan to make the most of our $1.1 million in state funding and create a variety of study spaces where students can be successful.

Our plan is to install carpet mid-December after Fall semester finals, completing it before students come back for Spring semester in January 2019. New furniture should find its way here during Spring semester, wrapping up the project in May of 2019. In the meantime, feel free to sample new furniture we will have on display in the second floor atrium (under the plane) and give us your feedback! More information about the libraries’ student-centered capital improvements is available in The Guardian. To learn more about other University capital funds initiatives, visit the WSU Newsroom.