COOKEVILLE –The development of new space in Tennessee Tech’s Volpe library is well underway thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Friends of the Library.
The Friends group, which got its start in 1980 and consists of community members, business owners, Tech faculty and library staff, is preparing for its annual gala, set for Nov. 3 from 7-9 p.m. at DelMonaco Winery.
“It will be a champagne gala with heavy hor d’oeuvres and dancing to the 10-piece Swing Street Orchestra,” Andrea Burckhard, board chair, said. “There will also be a silent book auction.”
The gala was not held last year to give the group a chance to revamp the event.
Since 2005, the gala has raised a total of $75,000, or an average of $6,300 per year, according to Doug Bates, library dean.
“We are in the process of building new space for our archives,” he said. “Future needs for the archives include instruction space for students learning about primary resources and a reading room for scholars and researchers to use archival materials. Funds from the gala will be important for the development of these spaces.”
Bates also said with library officials improving the unfinished space, resources will be needed to develop the space for students and faculty to use.
“Furniture and equipment are also needed to make those spaces usable,” he said.
The underground archive system will serve as the only historic preservation resource in the region which will allow both students and community access to important documents, artifacts and creations, Burckhard said.
In addition to the excavation of the first floor to expand the archives, the Volpe Library, which opened in 1989, is also undergoing a complete re-bricking of the exterior.
To purchase tickets, visit https://www.tntech.edu/library/ and click on the link.
DelMonaco Winery is at 600 Lance Dr. in Baxter.
