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December 9, 2024
The iconic Charles Deering Memorial Library on Northwestern’s Evanston campus is set for a major renovation starting this month that will comprise improvements to the interior of the building, including prominent reading rooms, and improved accessibility for visitors. Architecture firm HBRA Architects developed the designs for the project. Construction is expected to conclude in September 2025.
“Once renovated, Deering Library will be a vibrant hub for social and academic life, where students can gather, collaborate and create lasting memories,” said Xuemao Wang, dean of Libraries and Charles Deering McCormick University Librarian. “For nearly a century, Deering Library has been a cornerstone of the student experience, fostering learning, growth and community. We are excited to build on this rich tradition and continue to provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for generations to come.”
The Deering Library renovation is being funded entirely by philanthropic gifts, including lead contributions from Leslie Cameron Devereaux ’64, Peter ’60 and Joan McKee (’03, ’06 P) (’27 GP), Sandi Lynn Riggs ’65, Stephen M. Strachan (’17 P) and the Northwestern University Libraries Board of Governors.
“We are grateful to the generous donors who helped make possible this much-anticipated project, which will benefit our students, faculty and other members of the Northwestern community,” Northwestern Provost Kathleen Hagerty said. “Deering Library has long served as a landmark for learning on the Evanston campus, and these renovations will enhance our ability to serve our teaching and research mission by providing better access to resources, collaborative spaces and engagement opportunities.”
Deering Library was designed by James Gamble Rogers in the Collegiate Gothic style, popular with Ivy League campuses, to emulate King’s College Chapel at Cambridge University in England.
The project will focus on the renovation and restoration of the Eloise W. Martin Reading Room, the third-floor lobby and room 208. These spaces will see restored woodwork, furnishings and flooring, as well as retrofitted historic lighting, technology upgrades and new furniture.
Work in the Martin Reading Room will include the removal of all non-original, free-standing bookshelves, creating space for more seating. Room 208 (the former Music Listening Center) will be reconfigured to serve as both a reading room and technology-enabled event space for the campus community.
The project also will improve accessibility in the building by adding a new elevator and renovating restrooms.
“This library, built in honor of my great-grandfather Charles Deering, has always held a special place in my heart,” said Strachan, who chairs the Libraries Board of Governors. “I take great pride in continuing my family’s legacy of support for Northwestern. The enhancements to the library will provide students with improved access and a more inspiring environment, ultimately enriching their learning experience.” Strachan is a member of NU Loyal, the giving society recognizing donors who support the University, and the NU Club of Colorado.
Devereaux, who earned her degree from the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, has given to other areas of the University, including Student Affairs, Weinberg College and Athletics. She is a member of NU Loyal, as well as the Henry and Emma Rogers Society, which honors and recognizes alumni and friends who have included Northwestern in their estate plans.
Peter McKee earned his degree from the Kellogg School of Management. In addition to supporting Libraries, he has given to Student Affairs, Athletics, Weinberg College and Kellogg, and is a member of NU Loyal. He also serves on the Libraries Board of Governors and has been a member of his class Reunion committee.
Riggs, who earned her degree from the School of Communication, has supported several areas of the University, including the School of Communication, the Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University Press, The Block Museum of Art and the Curator for the Black Experience. She serves on The Block Board of Advisors, the Libraries Board of Governors, the Women’s Board of Northwestern and The Alumnae of Northwestern University. She also is a member of both NU Loyal and the Henry and Emma Rogers Society
The renovation of Deering Library was championed by University Librarian Emerita Sarah Pritchard during her 17-year tenure as the head of Northwestern Libraries. Pritchard’s vision was a space that would serve as a humanities hub, fostering engagement with the library’s distinct and contemporary collections. Her efforts to bring this vision to life resulted in the philanthropic support that made this renovation possible.
