New quiet study space in library created with Giving Tuesday funds

students studying in lounge chairs and desk chairs in library

The new quiet study space in the Penn State Lehigh Valley library opened in late August.

Credit: Amy Gery

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — When students enter the library at Penn State Lehigh Valley, they are now greeted by several lounge chairs and working spaces overlooking the courtyard. This new space allows for 12 students to comfortably work and study. Previously, there was only enough seating for eight and the space was sectioned off with additional bookshelves.

For students, the new area is a welcome change.

“I stay here on campus to do work,” said Satbir Saini, a first-year information sciences and technology student. “I like the quiet space and the chairs are comfortable. I also like the charging ports that are available and how you can move things around.”

“We have made this a learner-focused area, not a social area. We listened to what students wanted and tried to make this space meet their needs. Being a commuter campus, we know our students face demands on their attention at home. When they are on campus, many of them want to dedicate that time to schoolwork and studying,” said Jen Jarson, head librarian at Penn State Lehigh Valley. “Since the start of the semester, this space has been popular with students, which is really gratifying to see.”

Jarson and her staff had various planning sessions about the space. Their decisions were informed by students through observations of students and through conversations with student groups such as Student Government Association.

Funds from the 2018 Giving Tuesday campaign covered part of the cost, with additional funding coming from the Penn State Lehigh Valley Library and University Libraries funds. This collaborative project was installed in August prior to the start of fall classes. 

chairs and bookshelves in library

The library study space before it was renovated with funds from Giving Tuesday 2018.

Credit: Dennille Schuler

For Giving Tuesday 2019, the campus will be raising funds in support of a new adult learner/veterans lounge. The campaign is being supported by a $2,500 challenge gift from Howard Kulp (class of 1973) and Shane McGee (class of 1997), co-chairs of the Penn State Lehigh Valley Development Committee. Once Penn State alumni and friends raise $2,500 for Penn State Lehigh Valley on Giving Tuesday, scheduled this year for Dec. 3, Kulp and McGee will contribute $2,500 to increase the amount raised to $5,000. Visit Penn State Lehigh Valley’s Facebook page to stay up to date with the challenge.

Contact

Dennille Schuler

Public Relations Specialist
Penn State Lehigh Valley

Work Phone
610-285-5018