Sacred Stones, Sacred Stories

We love our library and use it endlessly. So packing it up and storing it for the last year and a half has been a sacrifice.

We have been able and do use nearby Conception Abbey’s library, but you cannot take your cup of coffee over, peruse a section, grab a book and sit in a chair and read in the glow of a lamp that scatters the darkness one finds at 4 a.m.

Our old library was really four – four rooms that is.

former site of the old library

It was in a part of the building we converted to bedrooms, so we moved it and unified the spaces.

location of the new library-to-be

There is also a separate librarian’s office next door. We are ready to hold our tomes in our hands…with or without coffee and accompanying lamp glow.

This blog entry is all about what is new at the renovation site.

We have talked about using the old and familiar and creating new spaces, but this is about construction in the new entry way.  Offices, meeting rooms and hallways are being erected here.

It is all coming together!

With the renovation of the old parts of the monastery we are creating a new entry and  a new elevator shaft.  These new parts of our building are underway and will soon blend in architecturally and visually.

The new entry area, a mixture of old and new, will house the reception area, gathering spaces, a gift shop and some office space. It’s still in the early stages:

It will also provide a level access into our library along with other office spaces. It will be a lovely blend of old and new.

Its loveliness is hidden right now, but soon it will be revealed. Patience is called for, and it has been rewarded thus far.

Deconstructing unused sections of our monastery is only part of the Sacred Stones, Sacred Stories project. We are also taking this opportunity to renovate other spaces, such as the former library, vestry and craft areas.

Former vestry

Former library

Former craft room

All three rooms are one large open space with new framing for individual rooms.