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Reimagining Hofheimer Library
President Miller announces plan to create The Athenaeum to be completed by summer 2025
University News | March 18, 2025
Virginia Wesleyan University is embarking on an ambitious transformation of H.C. Hofheimer II Library, reimagining it as a state-of-the-art learning hub that will serve as a central space for academic enrichment, collaboration, and professional development. Newly envisioned as The Athenaeum in Hofheimer Library, it will redefine the role of a university library, expanding beyond books and study areas to become an interactive and multi-functional resource for students and faculty alike. Construction is set to begin in the coming weeks, with completion expected by summer 2025.
President Scott D. Miller emphasized the forward-thinking nature of the project, stating, “At Virginia Wesleyan, we are always planning for the future—considering how to evolve as an institution to meet the needs of our students and faculty. As Provost and Vice President Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson and I discussed VWU’s next steps, we recognized that the library of the future must be more than a collection of books. It should be a dynamic hub for learning, exploration, and collaboration.”
The transformation of Hofheimer Library emerged as part of VWU’s Campus Master Plan process, which identified the need for an integrated academic and professional resource center. A key driver of this initiative is the growth of The Lighthouse, VWU’s hub for experiential learning, which has outgrown its current space in Clarke Hall. Relocating The Lighthouse and related offices to The Athenaeum will allow for greater synergy among academic support services, career resources, and student engagement programs.
A Vision for the Future: Key Features of The Athenaeum
The Athenaeum will offer an array of innovative spaces designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and intellectual engagement. Key features include:
- The Raised Forum Stage – a flexible space for readings, lectures, panel discussions, and public events.
- Lounge and Meeting Areas – comfortable, furnished spaces for receptions, meetings, and informal gatherings.
- Expanded Galleries and Seminar Rooms – integrating the Neil Britton Gallery, Barclay Sheaks Gallery, and Pruden Seminar Room for exhibitions, lectures, and study.
- A 24-Hour Study Lounge – featuring a dedicated computer bay for students needing access to e-books and digital resources.
Beyond serving as a learning commons, The Athenaeum will also house several academic and career-focused offices, currently located in the Truist Center for Exploration and Discovery. This consolidation will bring together Career Development, Civic Engagement and Service Learning, Global Engagement, Undergraduate Research and Creativity, VWU Online, and Instructional Technology, creating a streamlined support system for students. Additionally, Virginia Christian College, VWU’s shared-resources affiliate, will establish an office within The Athenaeum.
“Our location provides a unique opportunity,” President Miller explained. “With 14 academic libraries within a 35-minute radius, VWU can rethink what a university library should be—leveraging regional resources and new ideas to create a space that enhances the student experience.”
Rather than a simple renovation, The Athenaeum represents a bold step forward in Virginia Wesleyan’s commitment to supporting student learning and success. By redefining the traditional library model, VWU is ensuring that its students have access to a dynamic environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, career preparation, and academic excellence.