A slightly belated welcome back from the Mark O. Hatfield Library. With the Claremont School of Theology leaving this summer and removing their book collection, we have made significant changes to the first floor. If you look behind the “Art Wall,” you will see that in the last few weeks we removed much of the shelving where the CST collection had been located and created a new seating area that is a mix of tables and comfortable seating. This area has a spacious, open feel to it and benefits from wonderful lighting from nearby windows. We are excited by the opportunity to establish a new, creative, mixed-use space for all to enjoy. Come on by, check it out, and let us know what you think.
In the future we hope to provide other kinds of furniture and/or services in this area, so please feel free to share any ideas you have with us at library@willamette.edu.
For those of you who are budget or sustainability minded, please note that the removed shelving was recycled and the current furnishings came from existing furniture already in the Hatfield Library that was simply relocated.
Evolution of the change
Empty Shelving: After the removal of the CST titles.
The shelving is almost gone: Notice the interesting stripe pattern on the carpet–the dark stripes were where the shelving was located and the light stripes were the aisles.
Opening Days: A few stray items of furniture have wandered into the space.
Day after Labor Day: Movers brought more furniture from upstairs. 
Later in the Day: It didn’t take long for students to find the new seating.
