The opening of Lydia M. Olson Library marked the start of the Winter 2026 semester here at NMU, ending a three-year absence since the previous library closed for construction in 2023. Naturally, this long-anticipated reveal sparked many conversations. While some students were thrilled to have a designated space on campus to study, work on group projects and browse some books, others were not impressed. 

While it is natural to have some criticism about a new space on campus or even compare the new library to the old one, I believe that students are overlooking the resources our library has to offer. Instead, they are focusing on other aspects, like the plain walls.  

One unique opportunity our new library has to offer students is the Library Mural Committee. Many students’ first observations were that the walls were bare white — like it was a hospital. While in some ways I agree, I would like to draw attention to the Library Mural Committee; a group of students who are passionate about making the library feel more lively. Through these murals, the library will start to feel more personalized and cozy like the other buildings on campus.

On top of that, I would argue that some students are so focused on the negative aspects of the new library that they haven’t noticed how much nicer campus is when we have a quiet space to study. Before, students were limited to academic buildings, the bottom floor of Harden, Hedgcock and the dorm study rooms, which many students know a little too well how noisy those places can get. The library was built to be a comfortable space where students can easily focus, and thanks to the study rooms, students can collaborate on group projects without feeling claustrophobic. Moreover, since the new library opened its doors, other places on campus have more room for students to relax in between classes or promote their club. 

Last but not least, the library has some incredible resources for students that some may not realize. Aside from printing services being more accessible to students, the new library provides record players along with a variety of vinyl, Virtual Reality technology and a podcast booth for students. Also, within the library there is a Holocaust Collection Reading Room, a new space for the Writing Center and brand new classrooms. Some students have underestimated the amount of resources available to students thanks to the library.

Overall, I think the new library was a valuable addition to the campus. Students now have comfortable places to study and relax, a plethora of informational books and so much more. So, next time you want to criticize the new library, try to imagine what life was like when the library was closed.