Breaking Ground for the New Neilson Library (ft. Maya Lin)
Neilson Library is the heart of Smith College. I have been fortunate to have studied, worked, cried, and laughed within its walls. This year marks the beginning of major renovations and I could not be more excited! Yes, I will have already graduated by the time the New Neilson opens (in fall of 2020), but I plan to visit as an alumna when I return for Reunion. The Ground Breaking Ceremony had several speakers, including
Dean of Libraries: Susan Fliss,
Board Chair: Deborah L. Duncan '77,
Lead Architectural Designer: Maya Lin,
President: Kathleen McCartney,
Provost and Dean of the Faculty: Katherine Rowe,
President's Library Roundtable Co-Chair and Trustee: Madeleine Morgan Fackler '80
Did I mention Maya Lin was there? I am happy to say that she spoke with students before the ceremony began and even signed a couple of our programs! (See pic above.) I consider her the best person to design our “21st century library.”I am not an architecture major, but I recognize good work when I see it. Maya Lin’s designs have the creativity and functionality that Smith needs. Her plans promise to include elements from the landscape, more natural lighting, and a balance of books and technological spaces. It is everything I wish for in a library and more!
For more information on Maya Lin’s design for the New Neilson Library, visit: https://www.smith.edu/libraries/about/new-neilson
