Donors contribute to vital renovations to Hale Library
For nearly three decades, Hale Library has been the heart and soul of Kansas State University’s Manhattan campus. But in that time, the purpose of a public research university library has evolved to become a hub where all forms of learning and outreach can occur. In order to continue to provide K-State students, faculty and staff with the state-of-the-art facility and resources required to excel, Hale Library will undergo a transformation.
A planned first-floor renovation was to begin in May 2018, however a fire that occurred in the original Farrell Library part of the building on May 22 caused those plans to change. The damage, mostly caused by smoke and water, enables K-State and library leaders to expand the original renovation plans to other parts of the library, upgrading the whole facility to meet current and future needs.
The children of Joe and Joyce Hale continued their family support for K-State Libraries by giving one of the lead gifts toward the first-floor renovation project, carrying on the tradition their parents started by investing in K-State Libraries in the 1990s.
“We recognize that our world is changing and academics are changing,” said Mollie Carter, daughter of Joe and Joyce Hale. “The way people learn and even the competencies that universities are teaching; all of it is changing, so it seems really important for the infrastructure to keep up with that. It’s not a matter of having books in the stacks anymore. The library is a convening spot.”
The fact that the library is a place on campus where all students come together inspired Dave and Ellie Everitt to give the lead gift toward the renovation project.
“We like supporting cross-functional programs as they bring together a multidisciplinary perspective, which is more representative of a real-world environment,” Dave said. “K-State Libraries are a central point to support all colleges, which is why we support it. It’s reflective of the world outside, not just the academic world in a particular discipline or college.”
While the May 22 fire did put the planned renovation on hold, it also provided the opportunity to expand the innovative changes planned throughout the building.
“The reimagined Hale Library will more effectively provide students, faculty and researchers with diverse spaces that anticipate their needs and encourage their success,” said Lori Goetsch, dean of K-State Libraries.
To learn what is happening at Hale Library and get updates, go to blogs.k-state.edu/hale.
To be a part of the Hale Library renovation project, please contact Chris Spooner at the KSU Foundation via email or at 785-775-2130.
We are very appreciative of the generous donors who have invested in the project so far. Major investors who have contributed $25,000 or more include:
Bruce and Jan Adams
Dan and Beth Bird
Dave and Ellie Everitt
Friends of the K-State Libraries
Alan and Kathy Hale
The Joe and Joyce Hale family
Joleen Hill
Mark and Ann Knackendoffel
Shwan “Fatty” Alkhatib Memorial Fund
Bill and Marilyn Taylor
Bruce and Megan Weber
Chuck Wilson
