Gannon University will be saying goodbye to the current Nash Library and welcoming the renovations that are set to take place beginning in May.
There will be a farewell party held from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday at Nash Library. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to come say goodbye to the current version of this historic building as it is prepared for the renovation that is set to begin this summer.
Ken Brundage, director for Nash Library, said that the library was a cutting-edge facility in 1973 and has served students and faculty well for over 40 years.
“As with most good-byes, this will be a bit bittersweet,” Brundage said. “And while a bit of nostalgia and a touch of sadness may be understandable, they are tempered by the excitement for the newly transformed learning environments that will greet the Gannon community when Nash reopens for the spring 2018 semester.”
Brundage said that students, faculty and staff will spend time at Friday’s reception looking back on Gannon library history as well as forward to the exciting modernization ahead.
“It’s the perfect event to launch us into the last finals week at the ‘old’ Nash Library,” Brundage said.
Those who attend will be able to enjoy refreshments as they wander back through time looking at pictures and items used over the last 42 years.
There will also be a drawing to give participants a chance to take home a few of the library’s iconic items, including the chess table with chess pieces and four chairs, the small statue of Laura Ingalls Wilder and a small movable dictionary stand. Those who are interested must be present to enter, but don’t need to be present to win.
Drawings and renderings of the modernized Nash Library will be on display at the event. There will also be information on the library’s temporary home and how the library will be arranged in the former Verizon Toll Building that is located at 131 W. Ninth St. and adjacent to the Morosky Academic Center.
Light refreshments will also be provided.

SAMANTHA GRISWOLD
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