Strolling through the newly remodeled UT Classics Library, scholars and professors approach the question “Bonus liber melior est quisque quo major” (The bigger a good book is, the better) or “μέγα βιβλίον, μέγα κακόν”(A big book is a big evil), igniting debate. The windows, no longer blocked by old shelves, douse the reopening ceremony and its eager attendees in fresh light.

Following a year-long closure, the space looks brighter than ever with new furniture and reduced bookshelves. On Tuesday, the library celebrated the completion of renovations to make the library compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act while crafting a study spot in Waggener. Jennifer Lee, class of 1996 and the director of Discovery and Access for UT Libraries, said she organizes repairs for UT libraries. 

“Since we reopened (in the) middle of August, we’ve already seen more students studying in the space,” Lee said. “We have more study spaces now with the new layout, so we have seen an uptick, for sure, and we hope to see even more.”

While heading to the library for a quiet space to study, classical languages sophomore Rachel Alexander came across the grand reopening celebration. Alexander said the resources within the library remain integral to classics majors, and the library closure relocated many books necessary for students.

“I was doing some translating between ancient Greek and English, but I don’t know Greek yet, so I needed a lexicon, and I needed stuff from (the Classics Library),” Alexander said. “I’ve been waiting for (the library to open), so I’m very excited.”

The relocation of books during the closure proved difficult to professors as well. Although professor emeritus Michael Gagarin no longer borrows books from the library often, he said he attended the event curious about which of his published books remained on the shelves. 

“I have used it many times over the past years, since 1973 actually,” said Gagarin. “It’s been important for the department to have (the library) right here, so it was tough to have it gone for a year.”

Renovations reduced the number of books on shelves, but the librarians continued providing students the resources they needed. 

“A lot of books may not be here anymore, but that’s okay. They’re still accessible,” said  Gagarin. 

Lorraine Haricombe, vice provost and director of UT Libraries, said she seeks to ensure librarianship remains an integral part of the university system through places like the Classics Library.

“I always wanted to do something that would help and uplift others, and librarianship seems to be a calling in that regard,” said Haricombe. “It is about connecting people with knowledge, and in doing so, lifting them up to both improve themselves and to empower them with knowledge as well.” 

Haricombe said she hopes the library’s guests feel encouraged to bask in the newly renovated space.  

“I think the students are ready, and the faculty too (for the newly renovated library),” Haricombe said. “This is a favorite location and spot for them, and everything I’ve heard was very positive.”