Jerry Falwell Library makes updates to study and meeting spaces, plans events for new school year

Since its opening in 2014, the Jerry Falwell Library has been known for its innovative design, advanced technology, and unique areas for study, collaboration, and gathering with classmates and friends. With student input, library staff have continued to make additions to enhance the student experience.

One of the newest — and most active — additions is a trio of treadmill desks in the Gallagher Learning Commons on the second floor. With a flat desktop surface and adjustable controls, the machines allow students to walk while completing schoolwork, which can provide better cognitive function and energy levels among other benefits. Partially funded by the Dean’s Excellence Fund from last year’s Giving Day, the desks were a popular student request. The library’s three bicycle desks, which offer similar “active” learning, have been relocated with the treadmill desks, creating an active study nook.

“We are so blessed to have been able to purchase the treadmill desks with funds from donors who participated in LU’s annual Giving Day,” said Angela Rice, dean of the Jerry Falwell Library. “Students have been requesting these, and they are a great addition to the JFL. We strive to provide a variety of study environments to support our students’ varying needs, and these desks will allow them to be physically active while also being academically productive.”

For those who prefer the fresh air and sunshine, the library has upgraded its outdoor seating in the Sunken Garden area by the waterfall wall, along the lakeside terrace, and in the plaza area in front of the main entrance.

The library has also remodeled other spaces throughout the building, including the Terrace Conference Room and the third floor Scholars Lounge.

The library hosts events throughout the year to serve the Liberty community. During the summer, the library continued its successful Children’s Summer Story Time, welcoming children ages 4-10 for stories and accompanying crafts framed within a Christian worldview. Each of the seven events averaged 100 children and 46 adults in attendance.

The library will host a variety of events when the new semester starts, including giveaways during the first week of classes, which begin on Aug.18, a game night, an evening of “book tasting,” pop-up libraries across campus, and de-stressing options leading into final exams. Online webinars are also scheduled throughout the fall, offering guidance on research best practices and how to access the library’s vast in-person and online resources. Stay up to date through the library’s events webpage and by following the library on Facebook, Instagram, and X.