Café Exhibition Gallery (Lower Level) — $150,000
The large area connecting the very popular café/commons space and the stacks is now a gallery space with approximately 50 linear feet of exhibition space. The gallery has new hardwood flooring and built-in display cases along the north wall—the only place in the Linderman where one can see remnants of the original 1878 portico. This space allows for the display of humanities materials from the library’s collection, artifacts, fine crafts or small sculptures from the university’s art gallery collections, and student works of art. In just one year, it has already been the site for the display of elements from the inauguration of President Alice P. Gast, the “Home to Roost” Audubon exhibition, the “Cartographic Perspective” exhibition as well as showcasing “Maps that Matter.” The exhibition gallery also has become an excellent site for small lectures, receptions or other events. New glass stairs descend from the main lobby at the east end while the main lobby’s glass block flooring has become the center portion of the gallery’s ceiling which adds light to this area.
Literature Stacks (Third Floor) — $100,000
The third floor stacks have been re-lighted and new aisles created to improve the readability and the accessibility to these important books. Most of the collections on this floor are books classed in the 800’s—language texts and literature in all languages including many of the classics and “great books” we all read in school. The space has also been reconfigured so that the majestic gothic windows nearby are in full view for the first time.
Library Technical Services Center (Lower Level) — $75,000
A library’s technical services are the heart of what makes a library a library. The important work that happens here is what makes a library so much more than a bookstore or a storage unit. The center consists of processing space and office space for approximately 10-12 staff members responsible for acquiring, processing, and cataloging books, journals and other materials for the Lehigh Libraries. The space is especially designed for the efficient flow of materials from initial receipt to shelf-ready condition.
Glass Floor/Glass Ceiling (Main and Lower Levels) — $50,000
The newly installed glass floor/glass ceiling is an architectural "reference" to the common use of glass floors in libraries built in this era. It is highly visible from the main floor adjacent to the Linderman’s information center, suggesting to all who enter that there is more to explore below: refreshments for the body and books for the mind. As one peers into the glass panels in the main lobby floor, there is a wonderful surprise—the reflection of the 1878 rotunda’s stained glass skylight in all its colorful glory. The glass floor becomes the glass ceiling for lower level café exhibition gallery bringing desired light to this gallery and entertaining space.
Technology Enhancement Package (in the Bayer Galleria on Third Floor) — $40,000
The Bayer Galleria with its beautifully expansive ceilings and fine woodwork provides a quiet place for serious study, a need stressed by students during the Linderman planning process. Special Collections class seminars also take place here when the smaller Bayer Family Reading Room across the hallway is insufficient. In addition, the Bayer Galleria is a preferred site for special receptions and important meetings, including Lehigh Board of Trustee meetings. To effectively serve such multi-dimensional purposes, the Bayer Galleria is now equipped with a rear projection audio-visual system, built into the white oak cabinetry to keep the look and feel of this stately room. The original 1929 chandelier has been refurbished and now hangs from the Galleria’s majestic ceiling among eight contemporary lighting fixtures. The enhanced security system allows the locked glass front shelving to house the “Lehigh Collection”, the core of Lehigh University’s institutional archive.
Lighting Package (All Floors) — $40,000
Much of the 1878 original Linderman architecture was designed to maximize light – skylights, the reflective white tile, and the gas fixtures: in 2008 the technology is so different but what could be more important in a library than great lighting? Lighting is indeed a critical part of the overall Linderman renovation. Custom chandeliers have been created for the Linderman Reading Room that echo in feeling the original 1929 ones, and there are new lights in the four stack floors as well as enhanced lighting in all offices and corridors.
Humanities Forum Technology and Furniture Package (Second Floor) — $30,000
The distinctive Humanities Forum, one of the most elegant and stately spaces on campus, is a sought-after venue for many lectures and events, many of which require modern technology. The revitalization of this historic room (currently known as room 200) is now realized with built-in, state-of-the-art media capabilities featuring an advanced audio-visual system. In addition, new technology in the Humanities Forum includes wireless connectivity, a recessed projection screen, and a specialized security system for the glass front book cases that contain many of the rare books from the Library’s Special Collections. Furnishings and lighting fixtures are also updated with the addition of 100 new stackable chairs and custom-designed white oak meeting tables. The new ‘cloud ceiling’ is designed to heat and air condition this room effectively while maintaining the Humanities Forum’s charm and character.
Security System Package (All Floors) — $25,000
The key to opening up all of the glorious spaces in Linderman Library is the provision of a reliable security package so that the library’s general collection and its rare Special Collections are secure while still allowing users to access areas in a convenient and straightforward way. This was achieved by providing appropriate security at fire exits, motion detectors, and other devices and key systems so that materials and library patrons enter and exit only through the front door where the book security system is located. These new security measures have been sensitively integrated into the structure of the building.
Interior Signage Package (All Floors) — $15,000
The renovated Linderman Library has a new way finding and signage system designed by Roger Whitehouse of Whitehouse & Company in New York. A building map on the main floor and directional and information signs for service points, stacks and offices has been tailored to fit the Linderman aesthetic and still be clear and visible. The signage package also includes the many donor plaques recognizing named gifts to the renovation project.
West End Stacks Lounge (Lower Level Stacks-Mezzanine Level) — $15,000
The west end of the lower level stacks includes a small lounge with two comfortable chairs. The lounge, close to the philosophy, religion, and art books, is an ideal spot for quiet study and contemplation.
Portico Display Cases (Lower Level) — Two (2) cases at $10,000 each
Sited along the north wall in the new Exhibition Gallery are five (5) built-in exhibition display cases. This is the only place in Linderman Library where one can see remnants of the original 1878 portico. On a rotating basis, these exhibition cases within the portico display humanities materials from the library’s collection, artifacts, fine crafts or small sculptures from the university’s art gallery collections, as well as student works of art. In just one year, the new cases have already displayed elements from the inauguration of President Alice P. Gast, the “Home to Roost” Audubon exhibition, the “Cartographic Perspective” exhibition as well as showcasing “Maps that Matter.”
Permanent Inscription on Main Donor Lobby Plaque — All gifts of $10,000 and above
In the library’s main entrance in the original vestibule and directly across from the cast bronze plaque honoring the donors for the library’s 1928 addition, the NEW donor lobby plaque will permanently honor and recognize Lehigh University alumni, parents and friends who have contributed Shine Forever: The Campaign for Lehigh leadership gifts to help transform and revitalize Linderman Library for current and upcoming generations. A gift of $10,000 or more ensures that the donor’s name will be included on this plaque—the first thing seen by visitors to the historic and now revitalized Linderman Library.