The expansive first floor lobby and light-filled atrium’s stunning artwork designed by USF alumnus Robert Calvo features three sculptures representing the great libraries of Alexandria, Nineveh, and Pergamum.
Embedded in the building’s walls inside and out are the artist’s sculpted bronze hands holding words representing the enduring values of scholarship: wisdom, courage, inspiration, justice, beauty, tolerance, diversity, and truth.
The lobby is the only public entryway to the more than 250,000 items (including books, periodicals, microforms, and archival materials) that the library holds, as well as a computer lab, reserve materials, InEd suite, and all other library services. The lobby adjoins the primary computer commons, the café-style seating for laptop use, and a variety of study spaces. Special exhibits are arranged with external partners in the gallery. Requests to use the atrium, Poynter Corner, and decks for special events and exhibits must be approved by the Campus Library Dean through the Library Spaces Reservation Form.
The first floor has been completely redesigned and refurbished utilizing the latest design principles, offering more study spaces and a reservable conference room. The Jeanne and Bill Heller Scholars’ Lounge overlooking Bayboro Harbor features comfortable furnishings and glass walls to provide a degree of privacy and quiet in an otherwise very busy and collaborative open study space.