MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Northern Michigan University’s Elizabeth & Edgar Harden Hall, housing the Lydia M. Olson Library, re-opened its doors to students on Monday.
Harden Hall now features four floors (previously three) filled with more study rooms and lounging areas, a brand new floor of classrooms, the new home of the NMU Archives and Beaumier Heritage Center, as well as all campus tutoring services now focused into one location.
“So far, the reaction has been super positive,” said Library Director and Department Head, Emera Bridger Wilson. “We took a lot of time and effort when we were working with the architects to make this a very student centered space, and it’s really thrilling to see people already snuggling into the study rooms and using the resources we have in the building.”
The roughly $31 million dollar project had been underway since the beginning of winter break in December 2023, moving most of the library’s functions temporarily across campus for over two years; a time where students say they struggled to utilize these services.
“Many of the students communicated to us that they missed having a library space,” said Wilson.
“Weston Hall was packed last semester all the time,” said Matiana Molano, a junior studying zoology.
“A lot of students I know needed books for classes or needed to go look something up in the archives,” explained Sierra Snyder, a sophomore double majoring in environmental science and spanish. “A lot of my friends went to Peter White or had to search around for the library, which was kind of hard, so it’s nice to have it here and a lot more study spaces too.”
For some students, this is their first semester experiencing a fully functioning Harden Hall.
“I’ve explored with some friends, and I’ve noticed a lot of people doing the same,” said Snyder.
“I do miss the old library, it had a lot of character, but I’m sure it’s interesting to freshmen that are just now seeing it for the first time, they’ve got a lot of cool stuff in here,” said Molano.
The university will hold a rededication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the building on February 12. Although the library is located on campus, its public computers, printing, and book checkout services are all open to the community.
