Husson celebrates library renovation Ribbon-cutting Oct. 12 unveils modern facility

BANGOR – Berniece “Bunny” Thompson stood near a red ribbon extended across the renovated library space at Husson College on Saturday and smiled as state Sen. W. Tom Sawyer Jr. took out the scissors for a special ribbon-cutting.

The 83-year-old former library director at Husson was in the middle of a dream come true. Officials had chosen Husson’s homecoming weekend to introduce the new W. Tom and Bonny Sawyer Library.

The renovated library features high technology computers, gleaming book shelves and a pleasing environment for study and contemplation.

About 35 people attended the ribbon-cutting, including Thompson, now of Brewer.

For 18 years, Thompson had worked in cramped quarters in the old business library in Peabody Hall on the Bangor campus. By the time she left her post in 1986, the college had expanded to the point that the library was fast becoming outdated.

Now the renovation has increased library space by 25 percent, from 8,000 square feet to 12,000 square feet.

The facility is still in Peabody Hall but has taken a leap forward with computers that can hook students up to vital databases and research sites like Westlaw, a key site for topics in business law, criminal justice and paralegal studies.

Students can access the library from computers in dorm rooms. The facility also is open to the public.

“We’re putting our money online,” said Husson President William Beardsley. He said the renovated library represents a “better use of space,” and journals are “now open and accessible.” Book volumes have increased, although specific numbers were not given.

In opening remarks, Beardsley credited library director Amy Averre and other staff for putting in long hours on the project, which was designed by the WBRC architecture firm.

The renovated library was made possible with $600,000 in donations and gifts. The lead donation came from the Sawyers, who gave about $300,000 to the project.

The remaining donations came from trustees including Rep. Shirley Richard (D-Madison), the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation, the Libra Foundation, and an anonymous donor from Massachusetts.

Sawyer, Bangor’s District 9 Republican senator, attended the function by himself. His wife was in Savannah, Ga., he said, renovating an inn the couple have bought there. Sawyer is running for his second term in the Maine senate.

Sawyer, vice chairman of the Husson College board of trustees, said he learned from his businessman father that “the key to success in business is to find a need and to fill it.”

Husson College’s capital campaign had already addressed athletics and research facilities, so Sawyer asked Beardsley what he needed money for next. The answer was “academics,” so the Sawyer’s gift was earmarked for the library.

Sawyer recalled football coach Gabby Price’s comment on attracting new students to Husson. “Gabby said when he recruits a football player, the first place he takes him is the Clara Swann Center and the second place is the library,” Sawyer recalled.