Vol.24, No. 03	Sept. 18, 1998

Butler Lobby Comes Alive with Recent Renovations (see photo)

A renovated lobby in Butler Library greeted Columbians upon their return to campus this fall.

A coffee bar has been added, with an adjacent cafe lounge that is already popular with students, faculty and staff.The photo shows a brightly lit and colorful foyer of Butler, which makes for a dramatic entrance to Columbia's central library. The striking light fixtures were restored and the magnificent ceilings and artwork cleaned and repainted as part of the library's on-going renovation.

The $70 million renovation began in 1995 and will continue into the 21st century. It involves two phases: Phase 1, which is completed, included improvements to the infrastructure and basement. Phase 2, currently underway, involves the second floor (completed), the third floor and the stacks.

The Columbia University Libraries system is nation's eighth largest academic library system, with holdings of nearly 7 million volumes in 19 libraries.