Gifts from more than a dozen alumni and friends to the College are recognized in spaces throughout the new library. Read more about the new Gordon Keith Chalmers Library. To learn more about having your giving recognized in the library, please contact Sarah Tancredi at tancredi1@kenyon.edu.
Chalmers Library
Named Spaces
Carver Reading Room
Given in memory of Robert K. Carver Jr. ’79 and his mentors in the Department of Classics by his mother, Betty Lou Hawbaker. The largest room in the library, its two-story windows facing Middle Path and Rosse Hall make a dramatic statement inside and out. Filled with light, the grand space features a mix of desks and seating for up to 100.
Winkler Atrium
Named in honor of Matthew A. Winkler ’77 P’13 H’00 for his generosity, long-time service and dedication to Kenyon College. The atrium is not only the gateway to the collections within, but also serves as a gathering and study space that is both expansive and intimate.
Bulmash Exhibition Hall
Michael D. Bulmash ’66 P’14 tours the exhibition hall that bears his name, also in memory of Christine Bulmash P’14. The hall allows for display of student and faculty exhibitions as well as those from Special Collections and Archives.
Ohrstrom Library Services
Named in honor of a generous gift from the Ohrstrom Family and Wright R. S. Ohrstrom ’93.
Fischman Research and Instruction Commons
Named in honor of a generous gift from Steven S. Fischman ’63. The space was designed to integrate library staff and students together in the research process.
Block Office
Library Services office #157 is named for Marian Block.
Gould Writing Center Suite
Named in honor of a generous gift from Christine Gould Sharkey ’80, the second-floor Gould Writing Center is staffed by trained student writing consultants who conduct individual conferences with writers to discuss work at any stage of the writing process.
Griggs Career Development Suite
Named in honor of a generous gift from Ellen W. Griggs ’77.
Denniston Reading Room
Named in honor of a generous gift from Brackett B. Denniston ’69 and Kathleen Denniston. This quiet and spacious reading room on the third floor is a scenic place to study.
Layburn Innovation Classroom
Named in honor of a generous gift from George M. Layburn ’79, this specially designed, highly flexible classroom is available for use by faculty who want to experiment with new pedagogies, including unique seating and technology options.
Novak Immersive Classroom
Named in honor of a generous gift from Roger and Kathy Novak Jr. ’70. A specially designed, flexible classroom for use by faculty who want to experiment with new pedagogies, especially immersive audio and video environments.
Toft Loft
Chalmers features an array of study spaces private and public, including these crow’s nests on the second, third and fourth floor overlooking the atrium. The top space is the Toft Loft, named by Christopher P. Toft ’89 and Nicole Dunn Toft ’92.
Schwartz Reading Room
Named in honor of Barry F. Schwartz ’70 H’15 for his generosity, long-time service and dedication to Kenyon College. This eastward-facing reading room has perhaps the best view of Middle Path on campus, with its bird’s eye vantage over the treetops.
Lower Level Reading Room
Tom Stamp ’73, College historian and keeper of Kenyoniana, checks out the Matriculation Book in the Lower Level Reading Room, which recognizes a gift from the Class of 1973, Kenyon’s first coeducational class.