Anthony Horowitz reopens the £20m University Library
Saturday 16 June saw the re-opening of the University Library by the celebrated writer, York alumnus and honorary graduate, Dr Anthony Horowitz. Anthony began his day with a tour of the new facilities in the Burton, Morrell and Fairhurst buildings, including a visit to the Borthwick Institute for Archives where he viewed items from the recently acquired Ayckbourn Archive. He also took the opportunity to try out some of the new furniture styles in the Fairhurst building.
After lunch with invited guests including Greg Dyke, Chancellor to the University of York, Anthony was in conversation with Professor Judith Buchanan, Director of the York Humanities Research Centre, before an audience of more than 600 people as part of the York Festival of Ideas. This event was held in collaboration with BAFTA and provided a fascinating insight into the world of writing, film, television and the process of translating drama from page to screen (and the cost of flying Spitfires in Foyle’s War).
The work on the Library refurbishment project was introduced by the Vice-Chancellor, Brian Cantor who invited Anthony to unveil a plaque which will be mounted in the University Library.
The University now has a facility that provides a world-class library for students, staff and researchers. The refurbished library offers a range of 21st-century technology and media-rich learning, teaching and research environments in proximity to specialist support and physical collections.
The Morrell Library now offers light and airy traditional study spaces for both individuals and groups, surrounded by book stock housed in new shelving.
The Fairhurst building offers extensive group and collaborative study space featuring flexible furniture options, allowing users to configure their own workspace. Interactive study booths with large plasma screens allow groups to view the display from a thin client computer or up to three individual laptops, making group work simple. A series of contemporary study living rooms provide a home from home for those looking for a more relaxed working experience.
Image gallery
Further information