Quad Library to be Re-purposed for Student Social Space

Cambridge, Mass. May 5, 2009 - The Harvard College Library will discontinue Quad Library services at the end of the spring term in order to shift resources to support library programs that are more heavily used by students. The space freed up by this move - nearly 10,000 square feet - provides Harvard College with the opportunity to provide study and large event social space for undergraduates. The decision by HCL provides the College with the opportunity to re-purpose the Quad Library space to meet students' needs for space to accommodate larger social and extracurricular events. This change will provide two large multifunctional spaces with a 500-person capacity. To better understand the student needs for large events, the College will assemble a small ad hoc committee, to include students, which will work over the summer to examine the feasibility and related logistics of this space for social activities. Though the collection will not remain, HCL librarians expect to offer research support in the Hilles building for students living in the Quad area.