Mossey Library has added more tables and chairs to the building’s study spaces and removed worn furniture.

Library Director Maurine McCourry said the library discarded a damaged table and chairs, replacing them with six new tables and 28 new chairs throughout the building over fall break.

“We have more students every year, and more students who are serious about their studies, so they’re spending a lot of time here,” McCourry said. “We were just running out of space for people to study.” 

According to McCourry, these are the first furniture additions to the library in nearly 30 years. 

“The library was last fully renovated in 1994, so it’s been a while and even then a lot of furniture from the old library came over to Mossey in 1971, when Mossey was built, and some of that stayed in the library,” McCourry said.

Library Technician Colleen Ladd said the new furniture matches the rest of the library’s style. 

“It’s consistent with what we already have, we try to make it look the same,” Ladd said. “It’s pretty top quality furniture. I mean, it’s not cheap.”

Freshman Olivia Tritchka-Stuchell, a student worker at the library, said the furniture was a necessary addition and is well used by students.

“I see a lot more people sitting at the tables now,” she said. “When I come in each time, they’re all being used, so it’s a good thing they brought them in.” 

Tritchka-Stuchell also said she thinks the furniture adds a nice touch to the look of the library.

According to McCourry, discussion with administration about a potential library renovation and expansion is increasing, though there are no official plans currently. She said the new furniture “can provide as many study spaces as possible” in the meantime. 

“The library is a cozy space students enjoy coming to,” Ladd said. “It’s nice that we’re able to accommodate more students.”

McCourry said more worn furniture remaining in the library could be replaced or repaired as the need arises.

“I do want to encourage students to talk with me when they have concerns about the furniture and space needs in general,” McCourry said. “We’re compiling a wish list for the administration of what we think needs to be added, and we’ve talked with students on a regular basis, but I would love to hear more. If students have comments, they should come talk to me, I’ll add it to our wish list most likely.”