The Thompson Library ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication on Thursday kicked off with a performance by members of the Ohio State marching band and cheerleaders.

Following the performance, Raimond Goerler, interim director of University Libraries, addressed the assembly of students and faculty from the center balcony. The last time that the balcony had been used was during Welcome Week in the 1930s. He discussed themes of tradition, modernization and centrality. 

In his opening remarks, Goerler commented on the historic significance of the library’s grand opening.

“First it celebrates the opening of one of the most dramatically changed libraries in the country,” Goerler said. “I prefer to call it a transformation rather than simply a renovation. Second, this is the first time since the 1930s that this balcony has been used at a university event.”

Ceremony speakers and ribbon cutters included President Gordon Gee, Provost Joseph Alutto, Undergraduate Student Government President Ben Anthony and Vice President Jordan Davis, and president of the Council of Graduate Students Brian Gay. 

Gee spoke of the ways in which rich history and tradition combine with advancement and modernization at the newly renovated library.

“This historic place is, of course, the soul of the university and it’s also very, very modern,” Gee said. “It’s the most technologically advanced library in the country. In the old days, all we would say is ‘Shh’ and now, we say ‘Welcome.'”

Gee thanked not only those involved in the library’s transformation, but also those who contributed to its history- including the original builders, researchers and scholars, students and William Oxley Thompson himself.

“Today is not simply a dedication, but a rededication of all of our efforts,” said Gee.
Alutto remarked on the centrality of the library in regards to both its physical location and the critical role it will play in the lives of OSU students and faculty and Ohio residents.

“It seems we have once again the centrality of the library, the life, heart and soul of the university,” Alutto said. “That’s what this library represents.”

Following Alutto’s remarks, Anthony expressed the undergraduate student body’s excitement.  He said that many students may even “think they’re smarter” for their sheer presence in one of the library’s many study spaces.

“At first you think they’re joking, but you’re actually not sure,” he said. “This building is inspiring students to study and spend more time and really dig deep into their academics.”

Gay finished the ceremony, pronouncing the newly renovated library a “sanctuary of knowledge.” He lauded it for housing, in addition to over one million volumes, many rare artifacts, including Jesse Owen’s Olympic gold medals, rare documents and a “view from the 11th floor that no digital media can ever replace.” 

“With the evolution of the digital age, changing the way we communicate and access information, this library was built to support the present needs and anticipate future demands,” Gay said. “Located at the focal point of the oval, we are all blessed to have a building of such grandeur on our campus.”