Starting in the spring, the entrance stairs and gardens outside Hammer Health Sciences Center will be torn up as part of a massive waterproofing project that was begun two years ago. The library's stacks occupy what is essentially the "basement" of Hammer. Due to persistent leaks, these lower levels have sustained considerable water damage. Several of the stacks on Lower Level I have been covered in plastic for two years, says Dr. Pat Molholt, associate vice president and associate dean for scholarly resources.

"What people don't realize is that lower levels of the library extend well beyond the visible, above ground structure of the Hammer building," Dr. Molholt says. "The sidewalks outside Hammer, in effect, serve as the 'roof' over these levels, and this roof needs to be removed to fix the leaks that have developed."

For the duration of the project, access into Hammer will be limited to the ramp on 168th Street. Because of the noise during certain phases, the bulk of the project is scheduled for next summer, when students are doing less studying in and around Hammer. The contractors will be made aware of spring and fall exam schedules and will curtail their noisier activity during those times.

Once repairs are completed, library users will see much improvement. The space in the lower levels that is currently unusable will be reclaimed and the front of Hammer will be improved aesthetically. Already a popular gathering area, this spot will soon see more seating and gardens.

The second project was much smaller in scope but equally as important. The study area to the left of the library entrance on the ground floor of Hammer just received a makeover: The large chairs have been reupholstered, and the carpets have been cleaned.

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