Underwood Library Renovation

Artificial Turf Fields

UNDERWOOD LIBRARY RENOVATION

Updated Facility Offers Students and Faculty Room to Explore and Learn

In designing the renovation, our library team—Kate Hall, Head Librarian, Jennifer Succi, Librarian, Kyle Sumrow, Director of Educational Technology, and Jay Berckley, Dean of Arts and Innovation—wanted to let as much natural light into the space as possible and make the library flexible for different kinds of learning. They wanted to move beyond a library being a place that shelves books and instead creates a space for learning, thinking, reading, and studying. “We envision it becoming the beating heart of the Episcopal campus, bustling with energy and activity throughout the day,” said Sumrow. Some of the many services offered at the library are eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines.

Jay Berckley adds, “We are thrilled to be part of this special moment in the history of Episcopal High School, and especially this next chapter in our celebration of the Underwood Library. The leading vision of our Board of Trustees, Head of School Ned Smith, and the wide range of stakeholders who helped develop our strategy has been unified from the start, uniformly aimed at renovating this magical space, all while keeping the spirit of community, teaching, and learning, and creating a welcoming space to explore and develop ideas at the heart of the EHS experience.”

Berckley went on to say, what started off as an idea became reality. “The spirit of innovation that is now manifest in remarkable improvements and unique new opportunities will support and inspire our next generation of Knights for years to come.”

The renovation has created a more innovative and inviting space for students to stop by. You’ll notice the furniture is modular. That created cozy study areas and allowed a seating area for forums. The technology help desk serves the students, faculty, and staff from this central location.

Kate Hall adds, “I am thrilled to be a part of this amazing library during such an exciting time. It is an inspiring space to collaborate and create, but it is also a wonderful place to curl up with a good book. We will host guest speakers, facilitate interactive class projects, and much more. There will be lots of activities happening in the library throughout the year so make sure to stop by!”

—Emma Kate Tsai