May 13, 2021

Columbus State University officially cut the ribbon for newly renovated spaces in its Simon Schwob Memorial Library this week. The ceremony celebrated a multi-year upgrade of the 50-year-old library, including updates to the mechanical systems, library archives, study rooms, and computer labs.

“I am pleased we have the opportunity to celebrate the significant upgrades to the Schwob Memorial Library — and the people who made that possible. Together, they underscore what we mean by inspiring collaboration as we seek to provide an environment where every Columbus State student can be creative to the core,” said Chris Markwood, CSU president. “We are thankful to our state leaders who see the importance of what we are doing here at Columbus State — and partner and collaborate with us in those efforts.” 

Students will also find important student support resources in the library as a result of the renovation, including the university’s CSU Advise undergraduate advising office, and its Academic Center for Tutoring Office. Both are now located on the second floor of the Schwob Library.

“These renovations will have a tremendous impact on student success, faculty support, and community engagement at Columbus State,” said Dr. Alan Karass, dean of libraries. “The upgraded spaces offer students, faculty, and staff a welcoming and inviting environment to work, study, and collaborate.”

“The library renovation is instrumental to our mission of serving students holistically, allowing for further collaboration with other academic support units, such as the IT Help Desk, Academic Center for Tutoring, University Support Services programming housed in our Academic Center for Coaching, The Center for Experiential Learning & Career Design, and of course the library itself,” said Melissa Young, interim director for CSU Advise.

Curtis Walker, a Columbus native majoring in English and serving in his second term as Student Government Association president, concurred. “What I find remarkable about these renovations is that the students here now are able to experience CSU’s growth while they are working toward their degree. This is just one of the many ways Columbus State is helping students reach their full potential.”

The project was championed by longtime state representative Calvin Smyre, who represents the Columbus area in the 135th district.

When the Schwob Memorial Library was built in 1971, CSU’s student body was 3,814 — less that half of its current size. The much-needed renovation began in May 2018, with a weeding of the print collection, including removing books not used in years, in poor condition, or those with outdated information. 

Once that weeding was complete, renovations began in May 2019. While the COVID-19 outbreak slowed the process, renovations concluded in May 2020. The project was completed by Garbutt Construction Company, 2WR Architects and McMillan Pazden Smith.

Now, the library can accommodate a growing student population and is a collective place for resources students need.

“I feel like the renovated space, especially on the main floor of the library, feels more like a living room,” Karass said. “There’s natural sunlight, there’s help if you need it, study space, collaborative work space — so there’s everything you need right in this one space.”

Other improvements to the space include new elevators, a glass fronted exterior entrance, the addition of noise-reduction clouds, new carpeting and paint, accessible single stall restrooms and renovation of existing restrooms, and a renovated space for Einstein Brothers Bagels.

More information about the work done to Schwob Memorial Library can be found at https://columbusstate.libguides.com/csulibreno/About.