IPFW celebrated the grand re-opening of its library Tuesday, after being closed for a full year.
The state legislature allocated the $11 million dollars needed for infrastructure improvements in the 44-year-old-building, according to Alexis Macklin, the new dean of the library.
She says an additional quarter of a million dollars went toward furniture and other decorations, which was paid for by the library endowment. Macklin says that means none of the money came from the university’s operating budget, at a time when IPFW is trying to cut costs.
Macklin took over as dean of Helmke Library a little more than a week ago. She’s taking the reins from Cheryl Truesdell, who has worked for IPFW for 33 years. Truesdell says she’s wanted to renovate the library for about 10 years, but it took time to get funding. She’s now passing the legacy of a newly renovated library to Alexis Macklin.
“She’s going to take it from here and just do all kinds of wonderful things. So I’m excited. I was very happy to be able to hand her the keys,” Truesdell said.
“You gave me a great foundation to build on,” Macklin told Truesdell.
Truesdell says the building, which was built in 1972, will now have expanded wireless capability and new computers. But Truesdell says moving to the 21st century is not just about technology. The library will also have baby changing stations in both the men and women’s restrooms and a lactation room for nursing mothers.
Construction started in January 2016 and lasted about a year.
