First, after the new Downtown Library opened in January 2002, WVU began an extensive renovation project of Wise Library to accommodate modern usage and to preserve the look and feel of the historical spaces.
At that time, Jim (’40) and Ann Milano (‘41) generously contributed $250,000 to establish the Milano Reading Room Renovation Fund and the Milano Reading Room and Collection Endowment Fund. The endowments generate funds to maintain the room and to support the preservation and enhancement of the Appalachian Collection, which is housed there.
Milano Reading Room
Since then, the Milano Room, the Rockefeller Gallery and the Atrium have become some of the most popular spaces on campus to hold events. At the same time, the Libraries remain committed to providing spaces and resources that students and faculty expect from an R1 Research Institution.
In response, the Libraries again renovated the historic reading room. This time, the focus was technological improvements to accommodate presentations and multimedia events. Topping the list is a retractable screen and an enhanced presentation system. The Libraries also refurbished 13 tables and added new furniture and display cases.
The new Milano Reading Room reopened in May.