The Family Study Space in room 464 of Mullins Library will be unavailable beginning today, June 5. The room will close to the public and be used to hold and prepare new experiential learning equipment that will eventually move to Levels 1 and 2 at the conclusion of the renovation.   

"The Family Study Space is an incredibly important and inclusive space to us, which we were able to pilot successfully with the support of a Women' Giving Circle grant. Taking it offline, even temporarily, was not an easy choice," said Stephanie Pierce, director of experiential learning and the Physics Library. "But it will return soon in a dedicated and purposely designed space with academic and caregiver needs in mind. I look forward to supporting Megan York, education librarian, and her efforts to promote the Family Study Space and other exciting spaces in the Curriculum Materials Collection area in the coming months." 

After construction on Levels 1 and 2 of Mullins Library is completed, which is expected to happen during the fall 2024 semester, the Family Study Space will reopen on Level 2 as part of the new Curriculum Materials Collection supporting future K-12 educators. This new area will also house a new lactation space, a sensory calming room and a curriculum work area. 

"As someone with a young toddler myself, I recognize the importance of having a space that is designed with both the caregiver and child in mind," York said. "It wasn't an easy decision to make, but when it comes back, it will be even better than before with a much more nurturing, dedicated space." 

The renovated floors will also feature a Makerspace, A/V recording studios, podcasting studios, XR studios, a data visualization lab and a digital media lab, as well as additional study rooms.