Law Library Gets A Lift

Photo by: Sarah Buski

Professor McCormack, Law Librarian, in the library's newly renovated lower level.

The William R. Lederman Law Library is getting a lift as part of the Queen's Law fiftieth anniversary fundraising efforts. Major renovations of the library's lower floor have already been unveiled and further improvements to the library will be taking place over the next few months leading up to the fiftieth anniversary celebrations.

The refurbishment of the lower floor has been the most noticeable change made to the library so far, according to Professor Nancy McCormack, Law Librarian.

"Before this summer, the basement of the library was exactly that, a basement," said McCormack. "The place was dingy and dark."

This summer, with help from the refurbishment fund, the small, dark offices which were obstructing the windows were pulled down. A new teaching area was designed and built along with new study areas. New lighting, ceilings and floors were installed. New shelving was installed and some of it was custom built. Meeting rooms were repainted and outfitted with better lighting, shelving and blackboards. And, the graduate room was redesigned to accommodate more students.

There continue to be pressing issues in terms of fundraising efforts for the library. "[We need] to remove the asbestos from the library," said McCormack. "We were able to remove all of it from the basement during the construction this summer, but some of it remains. After that, there is painting, lighting, new furniture and various other needs that still require attention."

There are a number of ways in which donors can assist in maintaining and ameliorating the library. "We always need financial help. But beyond that, donors have given us art for the library and have also donated books" said McCormack.

The Lederman Law Library Fund initiative is receiving much needed support from distinguished judges who are Queen's Law alumni. In return for their philanthropic assistance, judges will be recognized on a donor wall acknowledging their individual support.

The goal of the Refurbishment Fund is to make the library into a place that students find comfortable and enjoyable, to lift morale and enhance the educational experience. "The library is the heart and soul of a law school. Students spend a great deal of their time thinking, studying and learning here. Having the money to provide the TLC that the library needs will make this a pleasant and memorable place," said McCormack.

Please visit http://law.queensu.ca/alumni/profiles/libraryRefurbishment.html for more information or contact Meg Einarson, Senior Development Officer at einarson@post.queensu.ca.