The opening of Benedictine College’s new library is set for July 4th, 2026. For two and a half years, the campus grounds have echoed with the sounds of drills, machines, hammers, and even (some would say the worst sound of all), metal clanging. Through those years, progress on the library has been evident, and many are eager to hear about it. In August of 2025, I had the opportunity to tour the grounds of the new library to see what all those sounds I hear while taking classes and tests were putting together.
When I asked Paul Burghart, Chief of Staff and Director of Extension Programs, what are some features of the library he was looking forward to, he said, “I think that the beautiful study spaces and incredible artwork are both going to be very good for our students. It can be really difficult to find the gumption to sit down and work on a paper or finish those extra-long readings. However, when you’ve got a comfortable, well-appointed place to sit down and work, that makes it easier.”
The grounds looked spacious, and I imagined students having picnics and taking naps in the garden. The entrance had high ceilings, and a bell was going to be at the top, in case the other bells on campus were not working. I imagined students walking through these halls and professors teaching classes. There was going to be a lot of space and hopefully a lot of academic energy.
I walked into the room where there would be a café and a place for students to socialize. It was a much bigger room than I expected, and the big windows let in a lot of natural light. An area for the kitchen and the coffee, along with a bar-style table facing the windows, seemed like it would be a good space for students.
Everything was progressing smoothly, and there was a lot of time and thought placed into every decision for the library. A room with tables and shelves of books will feature headstones of the doctors of the church that will stare at every student as they work on their studies.
There was no doubt about the amount of study space available for students. It was one of the first things I noticed on the tour, and I enjoyed hearing about the different forms of art that would be exposed to the students. Fireplaces on the study floor, lamps for comfortable lighting, and different accessibility for every floor (elevators, stairs etc.) will bring a warm environment for students and a warm welcome for Benedictine guests and families.
