OCC sees new library

As one OCC student put it, the difference between the school’s new $33-million library and its former home in 32 portable buildings is “night and day.”

“I love it, I think the architecture is ideal,” said Regina Frisbie, who’s studying to get her real estate broker’s license.

Thursday was the library’s first day open, and by the afternoon it looked almost empty.

Maybe it was because it’s winter session and most students are on break, or maybe it’s because of the two-story learning center’s spacious 88,777 square feet.

“I think it’s a wonderful improvement. The thing about this is there’s lots of light,” said Polina Zagorodnya, a business student, drenched in sunlight near the building’s front.

For others it’s the little differences.

“I like the seats, and it doesn’t squeak when you walk,” said Eric Chan, studying biochemistry. “Overall I think it’s a good design.”

The library can hold more than 128,000 volumes of books and periodicals. A formal dedication ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 5.

— Joseph Serna