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Dear Friends of the UCLA Library:
When I wrote my letter for our spring issue, I was optimistic about the possibility of resuming onsite services at UCLA Library. I’m happy to share with you now that we’ve done just that, opening eight Library locations to the Bruin community.
Faculty and students responded to the announcement on social media with enthusiasm. A physics professor retweeted, “Yes, yes, I very much look forward to getting some actual books,” and “This is really great. Thank you!” A student retweeted, “this is my super bowl.” And on UCLA’s Instagram wall, a follower wrote “OMG, SO COOL.”
We share their excitement, and have been eager for Bruins to experience the many donor-driven updates made to Library spaces since the pandemic began. Among them are 15 refurbished group study spaces in the Charles E. Young Research Library, made possible by a gift from the Sady Kahn Trust. In the Science and Engineering Library, donor gifts dramatically improved the STEM Collaborative Learning Center and reading room, providing new modular furniture and movable whiteboards to better meet the needs of students. In the winter quarter, we look forward to opening our new Distinctive Collections Classroom.
We also have been actively recruiting and hiring more than 300 student workers. The Library is the second largest student employer on campus, and these jobs provide Bruins with skills, financial support, and a deeper connection with our campus communities. Thanks to recent donor support, we got a head start over the summer filling these essential student positions.
Being back on campus this fall quarter makes us especially thankful for donors like you who understand the value of libraries. You are instrumental to our success as we move knowledge forward. Wishing you continued good health.
Warm regards,
Virginia Steel
Norman and Armena Powell University Librarian