The CQUniversity Library in Rockhampton will soon close its doors to get a $6 million refurbishment - the first of this magnitude in its 32-year history...

Current and former library directors and staff attended special functions recently to say goodbye to the iconic orange carpet and library nooks. They celebrated the opportunity to recreate the library as a 21^st century learning environment.

Former Library Directors Margaret Appleton (left) and Judith Edwards joined with current director Graham Black and Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman in celebrating the launch of the library refurbishment.CQUniversity Library Director Graham Black said the looming refurbishment had generated a host of memories.

He recalled trolley races, activity from a drama studio (once located on the middle floor) and talk of a gunshot heard in the early days.

Graham reminded guests of Princess Alexandra's visit to the campus for the official opening back in 1978. He also screened the original footage of the opening ceremony.

The library refurbishment is part of the CQUniversity Rockhampton Campus Renewal project.

It is anticipated that the new-look library will become the heart of the campus, with expanded learning spaces, a café and innovative teaching areas.

"The underlying philosophy for the redevelopment is to provide a flexible and focused learning environment for students and to provide staff with a pleasant, safe and efficient work space," Graham said.

An artist's impression of the refurbished library interior expected to be completed in July."With recent technological changes and a stronger emphasis on electronic resources and collaborative learning spaces, a rearrangement of the spaces was timely.

"The new floor plans will open up the space and provide more seating for library users, especially for those using laptops."

Amongst the key features of the redevelopment will be open plan student spaces, a variety of work stations and a ground floor café.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman acknowledged that the renovations will cause some challenges to staff and student in the interim, but said the results would be worth the wait.

"The Library is being totally refitted and modernised to bring it in line with the changing needs and purpose of the library. The library will become the heartbeat of the University and a hub for staff and students alike."

"It will have twice the amount of seating, a coffee shop, lots more outdoor seating and a modern glass entrance that will allow more light into the building, but will maintain the original artist's vision for the library."

Graham wears an orange shirt in homage to the library carpet which will be removed as part of the refurbishment. He is pictured here with Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman at the refurbishment launch.Work on the library will begin next month and is scheduled to be completed in July, 2011.

While work is underway, access to Library services will be delivered from alternative locations around the campus.

A central service point will be established in building 65, a temporary library including information desk will be set up in building 39, and a general computer lab will be operational in building 7.

For further information about the library refurbishment visit the Campus Renewal site here.