Transforming the Hood College Library

Renderings of library renovations

The Beneficial-Hodson Library and Technology Center will undergo a major renovation, beginning in January 2020. The plans for the library will transform it into a dynamic learning space.

Library to undergo a major renovation beginning January 2020

As currently planned, in January 2020 the Beneficial-Hodson Library and Technology Center will close for renovation. Library staff will retain access to the general collection to pull requested books and other materials for patrons as needed.

The library will remain closed for the spring 2020 semester and throughout the summer. It will reopen in November 2020 with the following new features:

  • 50 percent increase in study seats 
  • 16 new collaboration rooms
  • Café
  • Office of Academic Services
  • Information Technology help desk
  • Tutoring spaces
  • Archives and special collections space with dedicated reading room
  • Computer lab
  • Seminar-style classroom space for three doctoral cohorts
  • Increased daylight from glass walls on south and east sides (facing Rosemont Ave. and Martha Church Dr. respectively) 
  • Expanded board room
  • Improved ADA accessibility and energy efficiency

The total projected cost of the renovation is $7.2 million dollars. The funds needed for the project will come from grants and individual philanthropy. We are thrilled that the State of Maryland has committed $2.9 million to jump-start the project.

Learning Commons Fly-Through

 

“The support and the relationship building with the library team will make learning collaborative. Having offices like IT and academic services in the learning commons will mean we will see each other and share and appreciate that it does take a 'village' to support Hood undergraduate and graduate students."
-- Kathleen Bands, Ph.D., professor of education and program director for the Doctorate of Organizational Leadership and Doctorate of Business Administration

Read more about the plans for the library in the fall 2019 issue of Hood Magazine.