Date: August 13, 2021
For the past two months, I have had the privilege of being part of the Bishop Payne Library team as they begin their move back into the newly renovated space. I have proudly exclaimed to various people that I was hired as their “grunt worker” for the summer, doing the odds and ends of moving. One of the biggest projects has been the moving of sheet music collections we have from Bohlen Hall back to the BPL building. It has been a blessing and joy to see the library building coming back together and I’ve enjoyed being one of the first to see the new space and tell others about it.
As a member of the Class of 2022, the only seemingly normal time for us was February 2020. Our first fall semester was marked with classes in conference rooms and meals in the Wedding Tent (as both the Addison Academic Center and the Refectory were under renovation) and March 2020 on was, well, I don’t think I need to remind you. So we are excited that the Bishop Payne Library will open their doors on August 16. It’s probably safe to say that all my returning classmates are eager to return to a campus life in which all spaces of community are now open so that we may be enriched through fellowship that residential seminary so importantly provides. In Immanuel Chapel, worship; in the Refectory, meals; in Addison, learning and coffee; and in the Library, study (and in our dorms/apartments, rest!).
To my fellow classmates, the Library awaits! It is a refreshed space for serious study and casual conservation. As well, be on lookout for new programming the library is planning. I hope you will be impressed by the layout and the clean look our dear library so deservedly needed. I’m excited to be back at the circulation desk and look forward to seeing you all and helping you in the new space. Welcome back!
Zachary Baker Rodes ’22
Student Worker, Bishop Payne Library