Davis Family Library announces furniture upgrade

This summer, the Davis Family Library staff are planning an upgrade on the main floor of the library, namely new furniture, nearly two decades after its construction. 

“We worked closely with the library’s own space committee, as well as the custodial staff and facilities services to identify the number of chairs and recliners in bad shape,” Rebekah Irwin, the interim dean of the library and director of Special Collections & Archives, said in an interview with The Campus. “We knew that about 30 chairs needed to be replaced, 15 of which were urgent. That is, for example, it could hurt someone, there was exposed metal, etc.” 

“Our starting points were high-visibility areas,” Kimberly Marshall, the circulation specialist at Davis Library, said. She explained that these areas are on the main floor of the library, specifically the area around the printer room, elevator, water fountain, and circulation desk. 

The Library Space Committee visited two classes in the History of Art and Architecture department to gather student feedback on their ideas. They connected with Associate Professor of the History of Art and Architecture Erin Sassin, who is currently serving as department chair, and visited the student club: The Architecture Table

The library received feedback that students are looking for more collaborative spaces to work. 

“We learned from students that they didn’t quite understand where they could be noisy or where they needed to be quiet. So we decided to foster spaces that invite students for collaborative work,” Irwin added. “Many students told us the little tables are never enough space, so we are adding some table space. They told us how much they liked the booths in Proctor and in Crossroads. We really took that to heart and wanted to accommodate students’ needs.”

In addition to comfort and functionality, staff emphasized ease of maintenance when selecting new furniture. 

“Some of the furniture we’re getting is a little bit off the floor, which makes it easy to vacuum underneath. Our custodial staff and library staff often have to move heavy recliners, so we wanted the new chairs to be lighter. Some of them have wheels. Having something that we can reupholster and clean really easily is super important,” Marshall said.

Abby Lovshin-Smith, the manager of Office Moves and Furniture Distribution, spoke to The Campus about other qualities of commercial-grade furniture.

“The fabrics are very soft, but they are actually medical grade, so liquids don’t seep through them. The foam is firmer because it’s being so heavily used. It is more practical to our environment. The furniture tends to be more expensive, but a lot of that is the warranties on it, so if something breaks, I can call our dealer and get it replaced,” Lovshin-Smith explained, adding that the price of one cushioned chair tends to be around $5,000.

Lovshin-Smith said that the library also considered environmental concerns while hunting for new furniture.

“Some of the recliners that are in better shape will be moved to other areas, like student lounges. I do love thinking about repurposing furniture, trying to clean it and give it a new life somewhere else. We’re thinking about circularity at all times; we’re not trying to add to the landfill,” Lovshin-Smith said.

Irwin joked that alumni expressed wishes to buy the classic blue recliners.

“At the 10th reunion, alumni suggested we auction off the chairs. They love them because they also sat in them when they were students. It’s nostalgic,” Irwin said.

The college is working with Vermont-based contract furniture dealer Office Environments, which will also provide furniture for the newly renovated Ilsley Library in town and has previously worked with the University of Vermont and St Michael’s College.

Marshall shared her insight on the different areas in the library.

“All students are different. We have students that love to study in the busy café, and some that like it quiet in the East Reading Room. So I like to think that the Library has a little something for every type of studying. I think people will really love the new furniture too. It will be nice and comfortable,” Marshall said.

The updated layout will include four-person booths, smaller two-person booths, new chairs, round tables and larger tables designed for collaborative work.

Lovshin-Smith said that the new furniture is expected to be placed in the library on July 1, 2026.