Claflin unveils renovated, high-tech library

The ribbon is cut on the renovated H.V. Manning Library. (Panther photos by Damaia Davis)

President Dwaun J. Warmack cut the ribbon to the renovated H.V. Manning Library, introducing its new high-tech look. 

The library originally opened Dec. 3, 1967, and was named after the university's sixth president, H.V. Manning. The library has been under renovation through the first semester.

“Since its construction in 1967, the H.V. Manning Library has been a beacon of knowledge and a cornerstone of intellectual growth on our campus,” library Director Marilyn Drayton said. “Over the years, it has undergone several renovations, each reflecting the university's unwavering commitment to academic excellence.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Nov. 22 during homecoming week. Warmack said he wanted alumni to be present for the unveiling.  

“We thought it would be an honor to show and cut this ribbon during homecoming while our leal-and-loyal sons and daughters are back to this institution,” Warmack said.

After the ribbon-cutting, attendees were able to tour the library and ask library staff questions about the new technology.  New items include: 

• Information displays 
• Interactive Amazon Astros robot 
• Study pods 
• Virtual and augmented reality pods 
• Podcast room 
• E-book hub 
• Office spaces 
• “Panther Cafe” (still in the works) 

Warmack said the goal was to bring Claflin’s campus and students into the future by giving them access to the latest technology.

“As we think about education of the future, we're thinking about artificial intelligence, augmented reality, all of those things that are happening,” Warmack said. “It's still the same building, but it's what we've done in there to make sure that our students are prepared for the 21st century and the workforce.”

Students responded well.

Sophomore Robynne Solomon sees the reopening of the library as a big opportunity for students. 

“I feel like, for anybody, it's a good place here,” Solomon said. “And then with them having more offices for us to come to not just for us, but for more faculty to be in here too, I think that's also going to be convenient as well, so we're just not completely relying on the student center.” 

Interactive Amazon Astros robot 

President Dwaun Warmack at the ribbon-cutting event.