Today marks the grand re-opening of our newly renovated Law Library Reading Room! The photo below captures the ribbon-cutting ceremony that took place earlier today. Deputy Librarian of Congress and Acting Law Librarian David S. Mao, along with staff from the Reading Room and other divisions within the Library gathered for this event.
After decades of wear and tear, the Reading Room, which first opened in the James Madison Building in 1981, was in need of a redesign and facelift. The lovely result is the outcome of hours of planning and construction.
The renovation of the space began over five years ago in 2010 when then-Law Librarian Roberta Shaffer commissioned a study to sketch out what would be needed in a redesigned space. A new reference desk, additional patron terminals, a meeting and teaching space, and compact shelving were all part of the plan.
To prepare for the construction of the space, Reading Room staff identified materials that needed to be moved