Ball State asks lawmakers to fund renovation of Bracken Library

In its biennial budget ask to state lawmakers this week, Ball State University discussed potential plans to renovate Bracken Library.  As IPR’s Stephanie Wiechmann reports, it’s asking the General Assembly for more than $88 million to do so.

Bracken Library was constructed in 1972 and most of its systems – like mechanical, electric, and plumbing equipment – are original.  Beside upgrading those systems and upgrading restrooms on all five floors, officials want to “transform” the first floor into zones for students to better use the building.

This includes collaborative learning spaces, audio and video studios that could be reserved, a performance venue, and a one-stop office for “student academic support.”

The capital request to lawmakers is $88.42 million.

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Ball Stat Provost Anand Marri previewed the ask to the Ball State Board of Trustees last month.

“One of the main ideas with the reenvisioning of this space is creating a home feel, where student feel welcome, and where they can engage with different studios of support given the different projects they’re working on.”

Bracken’s staff says the library has the most used physical collections of materials among Ball State’s “peer institutions.”  Study room reservations by students top 20,000 per year.

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According to the Indiana Capital Chronicle, the state’s Higher Education Commissioner is recommending the General Assembly fund each institution’s single-biggest capital priority in the budget created in 2025.  That would cost a total of $464 million.

Stephanie Wiechmann is our Managing Editor and “All Things Considered” Host.  Contact her at slwiechmann@bsu.edu.