Our first addition, completed in 1858, the Reading Room Section's below-level floor is in serious need of both renovation and repair.

At present, a significant portion of the Redwood's holdings are located in either off-site or basement storage, making them virtually inaccessible to patrons. These holdings include not only books, but many treasures from the sculpture and painting collections as well. Furthermore, the current conditions of the basement area to the Reading Room, which involve flooding and deteriorating plaster ceilings and walls, call for an imminent intervention.

Also, the Library operates with problematic and complex heating and electrical systems. The restoration and renewal project will provide for the installation and maintenance of all these systems, and will allow the Redwood to more fully exhibit and share what it holds.

Basement collections jeopardized by window flooding, porous walls.

The Reading Room's warm hospitality, suffused with antiquity must be preserved for future visitors.

Basement ceiling collapsing. Inadequate/inaccessible storage area and extremely detrimental climate conditions.