Seniors vote to restore reading room

Author: Aviva Shen

On Nov. 16, the Class of 2008 announced that it will fund the restoration of the Starr Library Reading Room at the Donald E. Axinn Center at Starr Library as its senior gift. The Reading Room restoration is part of a larger plan to restore historic library spaces in the new center.

Other options suggested by students were a Global Community Scholarship, solar panels at the Hillcrest Environmental Center, landscaping the Axinn Center, a community service fund and a donation to the alumni fund. With 500 seniors voting on an online ballot, restoring the Reading Room won with 160 votes, followed closely by the Global Community Scholarship with 137 votes.

The process of deciding the final six gift ideas was complicated. Gifts needed to be feasible in terms of funds and logistics. In addition, the gift could not cost the College any additional money to maintain it in the future. Ideas that did not meet the necessary criteria had to be axed. After substantial deliberation and many meetings, the ballot was prepared, and the majority of the votes went to the Reading Room restoration.

The project includes restoring and refurbishing the early 20th century finishes on the coffered vault, grand fireplaces, dark woodwork and stenciled walls. The space will serve the College as a reading room and an atmospheric setting for smaller scale events.

According to Senior Committee co-chair Sarah Carnabuci '08, this gift reflects "a desire among committee members, and I'm sure many students, to have something physical and tangible that our class could be remembered by."

Remembering the past appears to be the theme of this particular gift. While the Class of 2008 never actually saw Starr Library in use during their time here, they appreciate the building's history.

"The Class of 2008 has been the first in 108 years to not see Starr Library in use, and will likely be the last for another century," said Senior Committee co-chair Philip Picotte '08. "It's important that seniors recognize the importance past Middlebury graduates affix to Starr Library, and how our Senior Class Gift supports restoration and future preservation of the College's architectural heritage."

The gift of the Reading Room, therefore, holds a great deal of both historical and future significance for the senior class. For many, the gift is about recalling the College's beginnings as they conclude their time here.

Gift Committee co-chair Liana Sideli '08.5 felt that "this gift is a way for the senior committee to acknowledge the historical roots of Middlebury College that are slowly disappearing from the built landscape as we create new buildings."

"The idea of reconnecting with our historic past seems like a great legacy to leave for future classes, especially since evidence of our 200-plus years of history is lacking on campus in terms of architecture and physical reminders," said Carnabuci.

Some students, however, had mixed feelings about the gift choice. According to Carnabuci, there were some concerns that the gift does not benefit the greater community. Others had different complaints.

"I had a difficult time choosing," wrote Picotte in an e-mail. "For some seniors, this historic preservation project is considered an egregious luxury item, and I understand their concerns."

Despite scattered concerns, the gift choice was popular and most seniors felt that the restoration is in accordance with Middlebury's philosophy.

"The College's choice to restore this historic building rather than construct a brand new building is a testament to this institution's intelligent reuse of our existing architectural resources and wise use of our financial resources," Picotte wrote.

Annual Giving Officer Heidi Webb estimates that the senior class will raise roughly $45,000 for the gift fund if they do not receive a match gift (which would match every student gift with an outside donation). Their goal is to beat last year's participation goal, which was a record 92 percent. However, Sideli wrote, "I don't think that the exact gift is as important as the idea that as a unified class we are giving back to our College."