University Hall and the Harvard College Libraries (HCL) unveiled Friday a two-year plan to gut Hilles Library to make way for student activity space, leaving behind a truncated study area to serve the thousand-plus students who live in the Quad.

The disclosure touched off a firestorm of criticism on Quad House e-mail lists this weekend, as residents protested the loss of Hilles and what they perceived to be a unilateral decision on the part of University administrators.

Also included is a plan to renovate the main floor of Lamont Library to make room for a new media center and the Morse Music Library—now housed on the top floor of Hilles. The fifth floor of Lamont will also be refurbished to match the reading room on the third floor.

The decision follows months of deliberations on how to address HCL’s budget woes but has also been presented as an answer to the pressing need for undergraduate social space.

Despite the fact that officials in HCL and University Hall said there are no final plans for the soon-to-be vacant space, construction on Hilles and Lamont is slated to begin in the summer of 2004.

Questions for the Quad

Citing a “decline in usage of Hilles library,” a University Hall press statement released Friday stated that “Hilles can now be reconfigured for other student needs.”

Dean of the College Benedict H. Gross ’71 said he will consult with the Committee on College Life and the Undergraduate Council about what exactly will go in the space, saying he wants to leave possibilities open.

“Right now we have the opportunity to drastically enhance the life of the Quad,” Gross said on Friday. “All kinds of organizations need space, or lockers. There could be a new exercise room, a late night social space, a place to get food. I’m not the one to propose these things—that’s exactly what I want from the students.”

Though over 50,000 square feet of space in the building will be freed up by the renovations, College officials maintained that ample study space will remain available for Quad residents. The renovated library section is expected to offer reference and reserve services.

Friday’s press release also announced the renovation of a portion of the Quadrangle Recreational Athletics Center (QRAC) for dance space. (Please see story, page A-1).

Following the announcement, the Quad resounded with student protest this weekend. House list-serves were flooded with questions and complaints about the decision, with students calling the decision proof of the College’s marginalization of Quad residents.

“Initial reaction was negative because of the way it was presented,” said Currier House Committee President Lacey Whitmire ’05.

Though Whitmire said the Quad House Masters had a hint of the decision to come, none of the House Committees were consulted.

“In the last week, we’ve heard three things: the Quad might be moved to Allston, plus Hilles, plus QRAC. It’s all very shocking, like nobody cares,” she added.