(Posted August 14, 2019)

HUNTINGDON — A $4 million state grant has been awarded to Juniata College, Huntingdon, for the renovation and expansion of L.A. Beeghly Library to create the Tim & Kathy Statton Learning Commons, both members of the class of 1972. 

The reimagined facility will house a multi-functional and digital learning space to serve both the campus and broader community.

“This grant is an extraordinary opportunity for us to offer a transformational space for present and future students, faculty, staff, and community members to share and expand their knowledge,” said James Troha, president of Juniata. “The Learning Commons will embody the spirit of inquiry and curiosity that Juniata strives to instill in every facet of life on and off campus.”

Beeghly Library was constructed in 1963, when the location of the College’s library was moved from the site of the current Juniata College Museum of Art. 

Plans for the new Learning Commons include renovation of all three floors of the 34,610 square foot library and the construction of a single-story addition to the front of the building. A second entrance will also be created to face Moore Street. 

Within the Learning Commons, an open floor plan will contain small group study/meeting rooms, extensive built-in technology, a full-service café, compact shelving for the existing 200,000 volumes of text, a secured rare book collection space. Spaces for creativity and contemplative study, as well as tools for digital scholars are all hallmarks of this innovative project. 

The reimagined facility will also be a place where students can access services through the campus’ QUEST office, which specializes in providing academic tools and resources to equip them for their college career and beyond. Services available at the Learning Commons will include tutoring, student accessibility services, and career development. 

The grant is funded through the state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), which provides funds for community and economic development projects throughout the state. RACP projects have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity.

Troha expressed his gratitude for the support of Gov. Tom Wolf, state Senators Jake Corman and Judy Ward, state Rep. Rich Irvin, Huntingdon County Commissioners Mark Sather, Scott Walls, and Jeff Thomas, and the Huntingdon County General Authority.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.