Founder's Reading Room has officially re-opened and VP Education Jack O'Neill was there to cut the ribbon.
It seems to have been a long time coming but Founder's Reading Room has finally re-opened!
Over the Summer I was involved in discussions with College to press for the re-opening of Founder's Reading Room as quickly as possible, while maintaining the traditional atmosphere and furnishings. Today, golden scissors in hand, I had the privilege of cutting the ribbon and opening the refurbished space.
The transformation is truly remarkable.
The dark and dingy space is now one that breathes life while still illustrating the fantastic history that Founder's Building possesses. With the Reading Room re-open, another 96 study spaces have been added. In combination with EWD Library, campus now provides 1346 study spaces – approximately 7.5 students per study space – compared to only 825 study spaces that Bedford Library provided. While study space, and a lack of it in busy periods, is rightfully a cause of frustration, this is a great step forwards in providing high quality study spaces for all students.
In running to be your VP Education, I vowed to broaden the debate on study spaces beyond EWD in order to alleviate the pressure and offer greater options in study spaces. With the re-opening of the Reading Room, not only do we add extra spaces but also different spaces that will transform you to the earlier centuries of Royal Holloway.
You can check out all the photos from the official re-opening here on the Royal Holloway Campus Life Facebook page.
Jack O'Neill // Vice President Education