Oesterle Library is getting a modern makeover sooner than many might expect.
In late December, work will begin on the almost 70-year-old building. Long-awaited updates will significantly alter the interior structure. The goal is finishing in August, by the beginning of the fall semester at NCC. The budget for this project is currently undisclosed.
A look through the history books
According to Naperville Preservation Inc, Oesterle Library was constructed in 1954 as a collaboration between North Central College and the former Evangelical Theological Seminary. Gustave Orth from the Chicago firm Fugard, Burt, Wilkinson and Orth. designed the library. It’s part of the Naperville Historic District because of its mid-century modern design featuring yellow brick and metal accents.
This isn’t the library’s first major renovation. According to archives of The Chronicle, a large-scale change took place from 1985-1986, which included new technology being implemented. Going forward, students can expect improved wireless access in the library.
Centering student success
Students’ academic and interpersonal success is the main focus of the library renovation. Michael Hudson, vice president for operations, wants to improve these outcomes by making the library more functional and engaging.
“By relocating a significant amount of books to the lower level in compact mobile shelving…it really allows us to go back and re-think the space above to bring students utilization of the library and building together”, says Hudson.
Hudson says that not only will students have a space in which they can read and research, but there will also be private group study spaces, a vending and food preparation area and more. A new layout with a variety of furnishings will help create a community feel, he says. In addition, students will have more centralized access to resources.
“There are different offices across campus that have come together to offer student support under one umbrella, to better meet the needs of our students holistically,” says Mindy Diaz, director of academic success and support programs.
These offices include academic advising, student disability services, the testing center, career services, tutoring services such as the writing and speaking center and academic intervention.
The current advising team is expanding and assuming a student success role with “enhanced positions to better meet the needs of students at North Central beyond just selecting classes. We can work more collaboratively,” says Diaz. “For example, if we have a student who’s undecided, career services can work with students to make sure majors connect with different careers.”
Assessing accessibility
Oesterle currently qualifies as ADA accessible with a ramp, elevator and push buttons at the front door. However, there are still accessibility challenges present with the layout of the building and the cramped, outdated elevator design.
Similar to the one in the Harold and Eva White Activities Center, NCC is installing a new elevator with a capacity for six people as part of the renovation .
“The nice thing about the elevator is that it will be centrally located, which I like for universal design principles,” says Diaz.
Universal design puts function for all types of people and activities at the forefront of the design process. Everyone benefits from universal design. For example, the new elevator will be accessible to students with larger wheelchairs and service animals. In addition, librarians will benefit by having more room to transport books.
Diving into design details
Some proposed design details are more windows for natural lighting. Additionally, a seating area outside the library’s south entrance. Therefore, this could look like the plaza area outside of The Rolland Center Boilerhouse Cafe.
Seating combined with better outdoor lighting will hopefully get students to spend more time on that side of campus. Additionally, permeable pavers like those outside of New Hall would help with stormwater runoff to further sustainability on campus.
Melissa Proulx, coordinator of digital and outreach services at the library, is looking forward to the modernization of the building. They consulted librarians on the design to make sure that it was a space that fits their needs.
“We’re excited for when it’s done to re-imagine what we do in this space. We get to help students.” Proulx says that preparing for the renovations has been overwhelming, but “remembering the big picture is exciting and feels like a warm blanket.”
