Heritage reading rooms at Carolina to be renovated for the future
Library Director Johanna Hansson tells that the University Library, in collaboration with the Development Office, has begun an appeal to raise funds for the restoration of the original desks and chairs to return them to their former glory. Photo: Magnus Hjalmarsson.
The ongoing renovations of Carolina Rediviva have now reached the next stage: the two large, older reading rooms will close for renovations in June. In preparation for this and in collaboration with the Development Office, the University Library has begun an appeal to raise funds for the restoration of the original desks and chairs to return them to their former glory.
“This beautiful furniture is of great value to the Library’s cultural heritage, and we are keen for these desks and chairs to accompany us into the future, continuing to be part of the Library for coming generations of students and researchers alike,” says Library Director Johanna Hansson.
The renovations of the entrance floor including the exhibition hall and restaurant were completed in 2019, and this summer it is the turn of the two oldest reading rooms A and B with a combined 120 study places or so. The National Property Board of Sweden is paying for the renovations of the reading rooms themselves, while the University will bear the cost of renovating all the fittings. This includes the planned restoration of 120 desks and 55 chairs to their original form from 1917 and 1945.
“We are very pleased to have the opportunity to renovate instead of buying new furniture, and to do so with the support of the University’s alumni,” says Johanna Hansson.
Targeted fundraising
The fundraising appeal to preserve the historical milieus inside the reading rooms for future generations is a collaboration with the Development Office. The fundraising appeal primarily addresses our alumni, but anyone is welcome to contribute. According to Agneta Stålhandske, head of the Development Office, this is the first time the University has tested this type of fundraising appeal to our alumni.
Desks and chairs in the reading room A. Photo: Magnus Hjalmarsson.
“Many of them have sat in these reading rooms over the years and no doubt have some cherished memories from them. This opportunity to contribute to keeping this delightful library space alive is one way that we can engage with the active interest in the University’s cultural heritage that we know exists,” says Agneta Stålhandske.
When the question of how to communicate the fundraising appeal to our alumni was discussed, antiques expert Knut Knutson’s name came up. And when he was asked if he would like to support the appeal by participating, he answered yes without hesitation.
“We are of course very glad about this!” says Agneta Stålhandske. “Knut Knutson is a famous person in Sweden and highly respected for his exceptional knowledge in antiques. He was very positive about the University Library’s intention to preserve the original furniture and very much wanted to help.”
And how much is his participation costing?
“Not a penny. His great interest in the project has meant that he is happy to be involved pro bono,” she says.
Anneli Waara