Summer students walk past MTSU’s James E. Walker Library. (MTSU file photo by Photographic Services)

In response to student requests, MTSU’s James E. Walker Library will expand and revise its hours beginning Saturday, Aug. 25.

The new hours are:

• Sunday: 1 p.m.-2 a.m.;
• Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m.-2 a.m.;
• Friday: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; and
• Saturday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

The revised hours reflect an earlier opening time on weekdays, a later closing time on Fridays, a two-hour expansion from the former Sunday-Thursday midnight closing hours and a shift in Saturday hours from the previous 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Walker Library Dean Bonnie Allen was a catalyst for gaining approval of student requests for the operating-hour changes.

“I heard that students wanted a little more time in the morning before classes start, and more time late at night, because so many are working in the evening,” said Allen.

“My second month on the job, I approached the provost (Dr. Brad Bartel) and then the president (Dr. Sidney A. McPhee) through the budget-planning process. The library needed more funds for staff to stay up late with our students. The president and provost fully supported it.”

Discussions also are under way to rearrange hours for the University Writing Center and Starbucks, which are housed in the library building.

For more information, contact Kristen Keene at 615-898-5376 or Kristen.Keene@mtsu.edu.

— Gina K. Logue (Gina.Logue@mtsu.edu)