Overcrowded, inefficient and generally inaccessible to the public, the McBean / Perry Stacks, which hold non-fiction and special collections, are in grave need of renovation.

Built in 1912, the three-story Gardner Blanchard Perry Stacks were designed to create needed storage space for Redwood's expanding collections, an expansion which was increased in 1985 through the generosity of the Alletta Morris McBean Charitable Trust. Today however, they have reached well over 100% capacity. Additional space for the appropriate maintenance of collections is critically needed. In addition, there are numerous problems associated with accessibility of the existing space to both the membership and staff.

The restoration project will re-locate the overcrowded collections, incorporate necessary technology upgrades, and provide for more efficient staff offices. A multifunction meeting space, and a supervised rare book and research facility will take its place. These renovations will allow the Harrison Room, which is often closed to the public to accommodate meetings, to return to consistent public access.

Rare maps poorly served by location and lack of conservation.

McBean: Example of storage space at well over 100% capacity. There is also a lack of climate control.

Special Collections Librarian, Maris Humphreys, crowded amongst the books for office space.