Kahu David Kaupu reading a blessing before opeing the Library Learning Commons (LLC).
By Melanie Gonzalez
Managing Editor
(Kaneohe)– It was a joyous day for the faculty, staff, alumni and current students of WCC who were in attendance for the grand opening of the Library Learning Commons. You could feel the excitement and see the smiling faces as people approached the steps of the library to see the blessing being performed by Kahu David Kaupu. The head librarian Nany Heu, Chancellor Doug Dykstra and UH President M.R.C. Greenwood were brought forward to help open the doors. “After 40 years of being crammed into a teeny tiny library, this tells the students of WCC and the community of Ko`olaupoko and Ko`olauloa that we are a first class college,” stated Chancellor Doug Dykstra.
Opening of the library. Pictured from (L-R) UH President M.R.C. Greenwood, Kahu David Kaupu, Head Librarian Nancy Heu and Chancellor Doug Dykstra
A contemporary learning environment and the first green library in the University of Hawai‘i System, Mariko Kershaw explained, “we are open to the public and students are excited and happy that we have a new facility to meet all their study needs.”
Some of the features of the library are “equipped with a media center, computer technology center and learning lab, which makes it a one stop shop,” as noted by Chancellor Dykstra. The three-story, 69,000 square-foot Library Learning Commons consolidates several campus services under one roof and replaces the current 80-year-old structure that has served as WCC’s library since the college opened in 1972. The building was designed to encourage the use of natural daylight, allow for views of the surrounding natural beauty, blend with the existing architecture, integrate services supporting student success, and act as a focal building within the campus.
The library is officially open for business.
A short ceremony took place on the first floor of the library to seal the time capsule in a vault. There is a porthole and light for viewing the time capsule once it is sealed. Students (some from the first graduating class of 1974), current college faculty and staff, and retirees have provided items for the time capsule. The vault and time capsule will remain sealed for 20 years and will be opened in 2032. The vault allows the college to perpetually celebrate its history and accomplishments with future sealing and opening ceremonies.
Faces of excitement and awe as the library is viewed for the first time.
Head Librarian Nancy Heu expressed she is excited to now have “more space, all my shelves that were filled to the brim are now half full so I can start expanding. I have a separate Hawaiian collection that used to be on shelves that moved and some were packed in the closet, but now this collection has a beautiful room for all to enjoy.” Ms. Heu began working for the WCC library in 1975 and is delighted to be working in such “a beautiful building that is centrally located on campus and is a gathering place for students, which will also be used for special events such as literary readings or music being performed.”
Techonology is an important part of the LLC.
Kahu David Kaupu says a prayer as he enters the Hawaiian Collection room.
Puanani Lee and Lokalia Kaopuiki from the Department of Education Hawaiian Studies, Kupuna Component Windward, were ecstatic to attend the LLC opening.
Preparng to seal the time capsule. Pictured from (L-R) Jeff Hunt, Chancellor Dykstra, Jean Shibuya and Janice Nuckols (founding faculty), Catherine Wilson (founding librarian), Head librarian Nancy Heu
Placing the time capsule inside of the vault is hard work.
Head Librarian Nancy Heu helps to seal the time capsule that will remain for 20 years.
Nancy Heu with daughters and son, and husband Dr. Joe Ciotti.
Don't forget to stop by The Hub to enjoy a coffee, specialty drink or snack before or after studying.
Students working hard at the computer stations inside of their new library.