As J. Paul Leonard Library stocks its shelves with books and readies its state-of-the-art robotic retrieval system, the Annex quietly moved out belongings and closed its doors as a temporary library.
Built and known as the Big Bubble in 2008, the Annex fulfilled its purpose as a placeholder while the J. Paul Leonard and Sutro Libraries were constructed over the past four years. Some students were surprised to see the doors closed since the closure was never announced nor reflected on any SF State website.
“I find it very misinforming for those who walked all the way there and have to go back, at least in my experience,” said Jordan Brown, senior broadcast and electronic communication arts major. “I feel that they are using the Annex for a good purpose but fail to inform the students of what is going on. I hope that the new library will provide adequate services for students who need a study space as well as access to computers.”
The library opened its ground floor where students can convene in the study commons area and pick up and request books in the beginning of the Spring semester. March 26, access expanded to the fourth floor, with the third and fourth floors open for students to traditionally browse through book collections.
With the new library finally open, the now empty Annex has been set under the jurisdiction of Student Affairs.
“Student Affairs is currently planning to provide an event space,” Dean of Students Joseph Greenwell said. “There have been rumblings of of extra class space, a dance studio and even a music festival.”
Plans for a music festival in the Annex have been put in place and will be hosted by Associated Students, Inc. as the second annual Rhythms Music Festival. The event took place last year within The Depot and Jack Adams Hall.
“After the success of the first annual event last spring, we realized that we needed a larger venue,” Vice President of Student Affairs Franko Ali said. “Since the library will have its grand opening around the first week of April, the timing is really perfect.”
Scheduled for April 25 to 27, a mixture of genres and both student talent and larger musicians are set to perform, including chillwave artist Toro y Moi, according to Ali. The festival will be the Annex’s first event.
The building will most likely be closed during the summer months to make the full transition into an event space, according to Greenwell.
All staff and faculty who worked for the Annex II and library offices in HSS have now been transferred to the new library. Many student assistants have also been hired to work in the building, according to head of information, research and instructional service Darlene Tong.
The remaining two floors of the library, dedicated to the Sutro Library’s existing collection of rare manuscripts and genealogical books, will open to the public sometime next month.
