We’re delighted to announce that on October 8 work begins on two exciting construction projects in the Medical Library.

The Cushing Center, the new home of the Dr. Harvey Cushing’s Brain Tumor Registry, will be an interactive space that provides visitors with an insight into the work of Dr. Cushing and the more than 2000 brain surgeries he performed. During his career Dr. Cushing compiled an immense collection that contains thousands of lantern slides (photographic negatives) of patients, medical records, microscopic slides, notes, journal excerpts, in addition to hundreds of whole-brain specimens. The center, which is slated to be complete by June 2010, has been spear-headed by Dr. Dennis Spencer, the Harvey & Kate Cushing Professor of Neurosurgery, and was made possible by the generosity of friends and supporters.

Simultaneously on the Basement Level, work begins on three new collaborative spaces for patrons. These spaces, which will be located in the renovated and repurposed Photocopy Room, will contain two group study rooms and a less formal room where students can interact. Each space will be equipped with large LCD monitors, wireless and wired networking, and inviting and comfortable furniture. This project has been funded by a generous gift from Sara Wilford, and will be completed by February 2010.

During construction, Library staff will make every attempt to make your time in the library as comfortable and productive as possible. Please feel free to contact John Gallagher with any questions or concerns.