At a ribbon cutting ceremony, Roberts Wesleyan College officially opened its $11 million B. Thomas Golisano Library, declaring it a "library for the 21st century." Located at the academic heart of the campus, the two-story, 43,000-square-foot library incorporates unique design elements, is built with the environment top-of-mind, and fosters a spirit of learning. It is also available to the public. A number of community and political representatives joined Dr. John A. Martin, president of Roberts Wesleyan College, B. Thomas Golisano, founder and chairman of Paychex, Maggie Brooks, county executive, at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Representatives from the lead architectural firm, Leo A. Daly, and the local architects, SWBR, were also in attendance. "This library wouldn't be possible without the generous support and financial contribution of Mr. Golisano," said Martin. "It will be an incredible asset for our students, faculty, and our community - offering an experience that cannot be replicated locally on any other college campus. The library is also a model of environmental responsibility in terms of the design and construction methods." Funding was made possible through a $5 million contribution from Golisano, making it the largest donation in the college's history. An additional $7 million was raised from other sources and allocated to both the B. Thomas Golisano Library and to the original library, which will be renovated, renamed and transformed into the Robert and Mary Hastings Academic Center. The Golisano Library features a state-of-the art Information Commons comprised of a 1,600 square foot café, a computer lab, numerous group study rooms, large meeting rooms and wireless capability throughout the facility. Other features include a graduate study room, a reading room and an upgraded archives and special collections area enhancing the more traditional library services available. The library will be considered for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for incorporating the economical, energy-saving aspects including: renewable materials such as cork flooring and carpet squares made of highly recycled content and sunflower board cabinetry (a rapidly renewable resource made from real sunflowers); efficient T-5 fluorescent lighting and others. The combined use of the employed energy-savings systems account for the library being nearly 40 percent more energy-efficient than even what the New York State Energy Code even recommends, according to NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority). © September 16, 2007 - Westside News Inc. |
