Utah State preparing to demolish old library

LOGAN, Utah — Other than a few old desks, chairs and shelves, not much is left inside Utah State University's Merrill Library, which will be demolished next year now that a new library is open.

Thursday marked one of the last days for staff to visit the old library, which was built in the 1930s. It was replaced this fall by the Merrill-Cazier Library, which offers more room, earthquake-resistant construction and more computer-friendly workstations.

Sandra Weingart, a librarian here for nine years, said she's sad to see the old building go but added that the new library will better serve students and staff.

Librarian Judy Johnson, who was a Utah State student 40 years ago, said the Merrill Library was once considered a spacious, state-of-the-art facility. But changing technology and a growing number of students made it obsolete.

In the early 1960s, the original library was expanded on the east side. Another addition was built a few years later, said Linda Wolcott, vice provost for libraries. She said it would have been too expensive to make the old building meet safety codes.

The university is currently considering building a new agricultural building on the old Merrill site, with classrooms and conference areas. Wolcott said she hopes the university's new plans for the building fit the ambiance found around the Quad.