By Heidi Brett, J. Willard Marriott Library
KATHERINE’S COURTYARD OPENING EVENT
Monday, April 23, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Food from Mazza Café, tours of the courtyard and free yoga session at 10 a.m.
More information can be found here.
The J. Willard Marriott Library and the Katherine W. Dumke Fine Arts & Architecture Library are thrilled to announce the opening of Katherine’s Courtyard. Spanning two levels, this new addition has been designed to provide students, staff and the community with additional study, relaxation, performance and exhibition space.
“We’ve designed the courtyard to be a place for our community to gather, work and celebrate,” said Luke Leither, assistant head, Katherine W. Dumke Fine Arts & Architecture Library. “As an outdoor extension of the Fine Arts & Architecture Library, the courtyard continues our mission to facilitate creative expression and research within the arts. Therefore, we have established locations to exhibit creative work, study and host small performances and lectures. We hope that by opening this new space, we are inspiring our users to embrace and share their creativity in new ways and to new audiences.”
The majority of the new courtyard is outdoors, with first-floor access from Mom’s Café and the level-one book stacks. On level two there is a four-season enclosure that will be fully open to the outdoors in the warmer months, and closed with radiant floor heating in the winter. Guests can access level two through the Fine Arts & Architecture Library or next to the Reserve Desk. Additionally, both levels are connected through two sets of stairs in the courtyard itself.
As guests walk through the space they’ll notice a wide variety of furniture, intended to accommodate many different uses. There are small tables near the café for a quick bite or a small study session. Larger tables and benches on the east side are available for casual conversation or large group study. Upstairs, there are study tables as well as soon-to-arrive pedestals for the display of art or other three-dimensional work from students and faculty.
Katherine’s Courtyard was made possible through a generous donation from Katherine Dumke prior to her passing. The gift has allowed the library to create a beautiful outdoor oasis for the community to enjoy. The courtyard is open now, so please come and visit.
Finally, don’t miss the launch event on Monday, April 23.
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