“The library had not been renovated in 30 years,” said vice president of College Services Donna Jones-Dulin. “The improvements will include more study spaces and carrels for students, and more natural light, making it a cheerful space for students.”

The $12 million library project was funded by Measure C, the same bond that funded building the Media and Learning Center, and renovating the football stadium and track. This bond was approved by local voters in 2006 for construction, equipment and technology in the Foothill- De Anza Community College District.

The library was originally supposed to be completed by the beginning the fall quarter, but like many other construction projects, it fell behind schedule.

“You find things that you didn’t necessarily know were there, and you have to be able to respond to those,” Jones-Dulin said.

While waiting for the new renovations to finish, students have spread all over campus searching for study areas. The temporary library offers many library services, but space is limited. It is common to see students studying while sitting on the floor. The Hinton Campus Center and MLC are always flooded with students.

“We actually have the books and furniture in there and we’re just waiting for them to finish up some of the work,” Jones-Dulin said.

Sandy Cardoza, lead library services supervisor, said she empathizes with students’ anticipation of the library’s reopening and offers consolation with a preview of the many exciting amenities and services in store at the library this fall quarter.

“The process of rebuilding a library entails much more than removing ceiling tiles, repainting or adding furniture in addition to the installation of a of a new air conditioning and refrigeration system,” she said. “The library staff and myself have been working diligently with one of many tasks of which one is the logistics of cataloging 60,000 books.”

Another vital upgrade is the expansion of the library’s Tech Center, with the addition of new computers, innovative lighting, and comfortable seating paired with tables with charging and docking ports.

“The Library Express room will be expanded as well,” Cardoza said. “An opening date has not been slated, but these enhancements are being added and will ensure a more accessible, safe, and comfortable environment along with state of the art technology which will be more conducive to everyone’s learning.”