Evolving Waldo Library for students

Waldo Library has been a go-to student destination since its original construction in 1958, but it has never stopped changing. From extensive expansions to more recent renovations, University Libraries has continued to evolve Waldo Library to serve the needs of Western students, faculty and researchers.

In 2023, we implemented several upgrades to refresh Waldo Library’s spaces and improve student accessibility and interactions.

We kicked off the new year and spring semester by officially opening the newly renovated and long-awaited lower level. New carpet, ceiling tiles and energy-efficient lighting were installed to create a user-friendly space that nurtures student collaboration. By repositioning our stacks, we designed the new layout to be more inviting, comfortable and easier to navigate.

Over the summer, our individual study rooms and research carrels on the third floor were remodeled. These rooms now feature new furniture that suits their current function and helps create a quiet, focused space for students.

“We have the honor of being the stewards of this library,” says Julie Garrison, dean of University Libraries. “We have the responsibility of creating an inclusive library and making sure it meets and responds to the needs of the whole WMU community and beyond.”

Since its establishment, Waldo Library has played an important role in the academic life of Western Michigan University. Waldo was expanded in 1967 and later in 1991 to its current layout (262,000 square feet) in the center of Western’s main campus. These early expansions helped house a growing print collection and made more space for study.

Waldo Library continues to house millions of physical items, but many spaces have been redesigned for collaboration and learning to meet an increasing demand from students and community members.

"We have invested in creating a welcoming environment by removing barriers, improving accessibility, and creating active, vibrant spaces for a broad range of student academic needs,” Garrison notes.

“Through observations of student behaviors and learning from user feedback, we better understand how we can alter our space to accommodate emerging needs.”

Showcasing student art and research

In 2023, the University Libraries pursued two projects that prioritized spaces that showcase student art and research. 

In August 2023, we awarded two Western students the opportunity to create murals on Waldo’s first floor and lower level. Melody Lebert created a mural on the first floor inspired by Michigan’s natural environment. Eunsung Bae created a mural on the lower level to explore connection, communication and balance through technology. These murals inspire creativity and wonder throughout the library and have furthered the sense of community we strive to nurture.

Both muralists commented that their creations add to the overall feeling of Waldo Library.

“I feel like it adds to the visual appearance but also kind of connects you to the community—like this is Michigan, this is the community you are in,” says Lebert on her mural inspired by Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Bae hopes his mural inspires and calms students studying on Waldo Library’s lower level. “Overall, the explanation of this mural is that a connected and balanced life is important,” Bae notes.

In addition to the murals, we installed an exhibit space in Waldo’s second-floor rotunda to showcase student art and research. The first student exhibit launched in January 2024 and features student artwork, research posters, graphic designs and more. 

Showcasing student work strengthens our community-centered philosophy and creativity in the library.