The Library Vault

We did a lot of cleaning and painting during the pandemic. Although the library was closed to the public and we only had a skeleton staff in the building, we made some big changes.

Anyone who has been to Russell Library since the end of the pandemic knows how much we have spruced the place up. We put in new carpeting and painted the walls. In fact, I don’t think there is one wall inside the building that hasn’t received a new, colorful coat of paint.

One of the first areas we painted was the Young Adult room, now known as The Space. Over the last year, we have added new tables, an air hockey, a giant chess set, and gaming computers to this area. As part of this update, we also decided that it was time to give the room a new look to match the new vibe of the area.

We wanted something a little different, something fun. Then the library director uttered two words that gave us our inspiration: Dark Academia!

If you are not familiar dark academia, it’s a broad term that applies to everything from décor to clothing to literature. It has been described as cozy yet compelling. Some label it mysterious, gothic, and vintage. It has a classic vibe that, paradoxically, is often described as contemporary and edgy. It suggests scholars and wizards and offers both a gathering place and a retreat. Think Harry Potter meets Dead Poet’s Society.

The backbone of dark academia is books and libraries (the reason we love it so much!) along with a lush color palette. Rich tones of brown and purple keep things mysterious while the deep blues and greens add a counterpoint, hinting of nature. A perfect combination for a library!

Dark Academia is a trend that is especially popular with young adults, so it is ideal for The Space, which is our young adult hangout. Who can resist an inviting, cozy vibe that has a touch of mystery?

We are in the process of narrowing down our color choices. Our color contenders have been painted as square samples on the walls at the foot of the main staircase that leads to the Reading Room. The final choices will start appearing at various places in The Space as we decide which color will go on which wall.

Stay tuned for updates on this project. This new look is going to be cozy, mysterious, and a lot of fun!