Newman Library 50th birthday celebration begins Saturday

Exactly 50 years from the day Newman Library first opened its doors in 1955, University Libraries will host a tailgate from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, on the library plaza.

The inaugural event of Newman’s year-long 50th birthday celebration, the tailgate—prior to Virginia Tech’s opening home football game—will feature vintage 1950s cars, an Elvis impersonator, live music, and free barbecue and drinks. Also on display will be exhibits of the most memorable books and movies from Newman’s opening day.

The theme of the celebration, “Life Begins at 50,” reflects the ongoing improvements to Newman Library that will make it as vital to the university community in the 21st century as it proved to be during the last half of the 20th century.

Newman is currently in the midst of a multi-step renovation process, which began with the nearly completed renovation of the Special Collections area on the first floor. Forthcoming is the construction of a café on the first floor, which will be accompanied by the re-opening of the library’s original doors on the second floor. Future plans also include the development of an atrium on the second floor in the space between the old and new parts of Newman and the construction of an adjacent automated storage building.

For more information about the celebration, go to http://www.lib.vt.edu/50th.