An (un)Common Space
“Not only will students feel welcome in the space, but they will have the people and supports in place to connect them to what they need to be successful. And we have provided a space where those staff and supports can find new ways to collaborate and uplift our community.”
President Hinton at the ceremonial opening of The Green in October 2023
By Lindsey Hull ’23
The Wyndham Robertson Library, built in 1999, underwent a substantial renovation in the last year.
President Mary Dana Hinton marked the library’s grand opening by ceremoniously cutting the library’s green satin ribbon alongside Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Kerry Edmonds, Nora Kizer Bell Provost Laura McLary, Ph.D., and University Librarian Luke Vilelle. The university’s Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students were on hand to celebrate the day.
“It’s you, our Hollins community, who make our library the heart and soul of our campus,” according to Nora Kizer Bell Provost Laura McLary, Ph.D., who spoke at the Wyndham Robertson Library’s grand opening celebration of The Green on October 20, 2023. “This is where everyone belongs,” she added.
“For decades, Hollins has dedicated itself to enhancing existing campus facilities as our priorities evolve. Through this project, we have an exciting opportunity to convert underutilized space into integrated, collaborative hubs that foster a holistic approach to meeting student needs.”
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Kerry Edmonds
Students gather in the Frances McNulty Lewis Reading Room to craft, socialize, or work on group projects. With the addition of new seating arrangements, students are more likely to hold club meetings in this space or meet here for study groups.
Small study rooms are available for students who want to work in quieter spaces. Tables are also scattered throughout the library’s second floor, perfect for smaller group work.
“It’s you, our Hollins community, who make our library the heart and soul of our campus,” according to Nora Kizer Bell Provost Laura McLary, Ph.D., who spoke at the Wyndham Robertston Library’s grand opening celebration of The Green on October 20, 2023. “This is where everyone belongs,” she added.
Wooden carrels may be reserved for a semester, but some students prefer newer, brighter modular seating. These modern pods are built for single study sessions.
Located on the first floor, The Green provides a welcoming common space for students. This reimagined space is brighter and more inviting, with cozy seating areas and a variety of study spaces. Students say that they are more likely to spend time in this space; the bright, airy seating areas remind them of more modern colleges.
Groups may choose to study together in the student tutoring areas. These students are working on math problems while using the glass partitions as a white board. Other students gather in tutoring spaces to work on projects.
In addition to adding more modern touches, reducing shelving to improve lighting, and adding more group seating, the library has become more of a common area in general. Rather than merely a place to study or find academic resources, the library has become a space for students to find a wide range of resources. Student success services; career mentorship; the office for diversity, equity, and inclusion; and the office for global learning have all moved into the library. Classrooms are also available for faculty use.
Luke Vilelle says that library traffic has noticeably increased since the renovations have been completed. “Midway through October [2023] we were up 20%. So that was a good sign to me just that you know, as people, students realize what’s here, what’s possible, we’re seeing growth there.” Villelle indicated that he is hopeful that growth in the library’s use will continue to increase. He also noted that the library has vastly expanded its space for archives, which was very much needed.
What’s next for the Wyndham Robertson Library? Greenberry’s coffee shop may soon be getting a facelift. Currently, it is open a few hours in the morning and in the evening with a limited menu. Soon, it could be refurbished with new furnishings and new artwork to match the aesthetic of the rest of the building. As for now, the morning crowd keeps barista Renaya Daniels ‘25 hopping.