"That was somewhat of an anomaly," project manager Thomas Melvin said.

After renovations were delayed a week for archaeologists to excavate the bones, the project hit another setback--environmental tests of the site showed traces of arsenic in the soil.

But despite the unusual circumstances, contractors weren't kept from their work for long.

"All has been removed and cleared and construction has resumed," Melvin said.

The renovated basement, which will include expanded rehearsal space for choral groups, was originally slated to be complete by the time classes begin in the fall. But with the interruption caused by the bones, the project will likely finish in the first weeks of the school year.

By the Books

As Dean of the Faculty Jeremy R. Knowles pointed out in his annual letter to the Faculty, the nostalgic smell of Widener Library's dusty stacks is caused by decaying books.

But a mammoth renovation of the library that began this summer is designed to save the collection from years of abuse by heat, humidity and sunlight.

Project manager Jeff Cushman said the construction is projected to span over 2 and 1/2 years and will cost $52 million. Renovations will include the addition of air conditioning, a sprinkler system and a new fire detection system.

The other major component of the project is construction in the light courts, which will host office space along with two new reading rooms.

Two major components of the project include moving books inside the library to other areas--one half-stack at a time--as well as using a 175-ft. sky crane to lift materials to Widener's center.

Even in the slower summer months, Cushman said, contractors have had to work around a busy library.

"Widener doesn't really work on the academic year," he said.

Despite the magnitude of the work, Cushman said that the renovations won't cause major inconveniences.

"Construction is pretty well confined to the courtyard," he said. "By and large, we expect little disruption to the library operations."