Students had to blink twice when they opened the library’s double doors on the first day of classes, but not only because of the sunlight streaming through the establishment’s signature floor-to-ceiling windows. Armed with a fresh design, the space seemed to glow from floor to ceiling in a way it hadn’t last fall.

Over the summer, the Walter H. Annenberg ‘27 Library underwent an extensive renovation to refresh various cosmetic and certain structural elements. The project was initiated at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year and was spearheaded by Associate Head of School Ms. Rodrigue and Head Librarian Mr. Dubrule. Their goal: to brighten and revitalize the space for the first time in around two decades. 

Mr. Puri, who serves as Peddie’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, contracted architects to help plan and execute the renovation. A hired interior decorator helped guide Ms. Rodrigue, Mr. Dubrule and Peddie’s Director of Technology Ms. Miller to make decisions on cosmetic elements such as upholstery, carpeting and paint. 

Instantly recognizable to returning faces is the library’s reimagined color palette. Autumnal shades of red, yellow and brown were swapped out for pale white paint and light grey carpet squares, choices that give the library a heightened air of sophistication. 

Structural changes were similarly intentioned. Most notably, walls were extended to create a semblance of defined rooms at the left and right ends of the ground floor. The library’s printing machines, previously on full display in the main area, were moved to a corner on the left side. Recessed bookcases were built in, a classy yet cozy replacement for two long, black bookcases that used to slightly block the end spaces. 

The removal of those shelves has given the library a more open feel overall, as does the farther spacing out of the three clusters of couches and chairs in the middle of the floor. That being said, the loss of storage space has made this past year’s book “weeding” slightly more substantial. 4,000 titles were discarded and donated from the library’s inventory this year, more than doubling the annual average of 1,200 to 1,500 titles.

Another major focus throughout the renovation was sustainability. The team found many ways to enhance and repurpose existing elements, such as having existing sofas and chairs reupholstered instead of thrown away. Swinging side tables were likely to scrape against the arms of sofas and chairs, so tables without rotating tops were ordered to protect the longevity of the seats. The old tables were relocated to Caspersen History House so that students may continue to use them.

Additionally, new ceiling tiles were put into place, and efficient LED lighting was installed in the ceiling of the library’s lower level. The latter change, intended to enhance the working environment for students who come to the library during evening study hall, has also benefited the librarians who manage the space. “It’s a lot easier to work downstairs,” remarked Librarian Ms. Serach, who explained that she used to have difficulty shelving books downstairs due to low visibility.

The change is monumental to Mr. Dubrule, who said that the brightened space has really renewed his appreciation and motivation for work. “I’ve never felt […] as happy coming into work as I have now. Every day I walk in and it’s so much brighter, so much lighter,” he remarked. “As soon as I walk in the front door, I smile.”