Carlson Library is ready to welcome students back for the fall semester.
Summer renovations bring a new look to the first floor of the library that serves The University of Toledo’s Main Campus, with students now enjoying improved access to academic support services as well as an expanded and modernized event space.
UToledo will celebrate the completion of these renovations with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27.
Jason Beebe, a journeyman carpenter with the Lathrop Company, begins to install a television in one of the newly renovated rooms of Carlson Library.
“These renovations improve accessibility and visibility for key services that support student success, retention and graduation,” said Jason Toth, senior associate vice president for administration. “We’re looking forward to welcoming students into the new Learning Enhancement Center, Writing Center and TRIO Student Support Services.”
The renovations relocate the Learning Enhancement Center and Writing Center, along with three classrooms dedicated to Supplemental Instruction, from the basement to a shared space on the first floor of Carlson Library.
The Learning Enhancement Center and Supplemental Instruction facilitate individualized tutoring and peer-led study groups for a variety of courses, among other academic support services to enhance student success and retention, while the Writing Center supports student writers in all disciplines through individualized sessions in which consultants discuss topics ranging from organization to academic citations.
These services supported more than 3,000 students in more than 15,000 visits during the most recent academic year.
“This new space represents our deep investment in student success at every level,” said Tia Tucker, director of Academic Support Services. “By bringing together these services into a bright, welcoming and easily accessible space, we’re reinforcing our commitment to student success and making it easier than ever for students to engage with the academic support they need.”
TRIO Support Services also relocated from the basement to the first floor of Carlson Library. TRIO is a federally funded program that provides academic, personal and financial support to first-generation college students, students receiving Pell grants and students with disabilities, empowering them to overcome barriers and achieve degree completion.
“This new space represents more than just walls and furniture. It’s a reflection of our commitment to student success,” said Angelica Johnson, director of TRIO Student Support Services. “TRIO has always been a vital resource for first-generation and income-eligible students, and now we have a physical environment that matches the strength of our mission. We’re excited to welcome students into a space that’s designed to support, empower and inspire them every step of the way.
Renovations also expand and modernize the first-floor Main Event Space, enabling the space to better accommodate campus events and student gatherings, and expand highly sought-after individual and collaborative study spaces on the third floor.
The renovations have been supported and facilitated by University Libraries. The total cost is estimated at $3.5 million, with funds contributed by local and state biennium capital.
