NEWPORT NEWS — Everything is on schedule at Christopher Newport University as the school readies to unveil its new and improved library.
The Trible Library will hold a soft opening for students in August and a grand opening in “early- to mid-” September, said Tom Kramer, media relations manager at the university.
The library, which currently seats 250, will expand to 1,100 seats and will feature a new technology center, a special collections center, a 100-seat lecture hall.
It will also have an information commons area.
The school’s library remained open for students during the school year as it underwent construction.
CNU, which has more than 5,000 students, begins the 2018-2019 school year on Aug. 27.
“One of the leading factors for the expansion was student demand,” Kramer said. “Students wanted a facility where they could be 24/7 and this allows us to be open 24/7.”
The renovations cost $43.4 million and will be covered by the state.
Construction for the project began in October 2016 and Richmond-based, Glaves and Holmes architecture, is performing the work.
