In the spring of 2002, UW-Madison senior and ASM committee chair Matt Modell began a campaign to keep a UW-Madison library open 24 hours. Now, less than two years later, the entire College Library will be open continuously from Sundays at 10 p.m. to Fridays at 11:45 p.m.
\My campaign began when I was at the [College] Library, it was closing, and I turned around to see 200 other people were being kicked out too,"" Modell said.
After that night Modell said he realized UW-Madison was in need of a 24-hour library so he approached Ken Frazier, the library's director. However, faculty felt some hesitation, fearing a 24-hour library would be used primarily as a late night hang-out, Modell said.
""After we received feedback, there was no mistake about the feelings of students,"" Frazier said. ""They wanted this option.""
Earlier this year, Frazier used a section of Memorial Library as a pilot for the 24-hour idea. The success of the small section led to the permanent 24-hour library.
""We chose College [Library] because it's the safest library and it was the one open the latest anyway,"" Modell said. ""Plus it offers services like concessions.""
The library will open 24 hours during weekdays beginning Sept. 2. However, it will only be open from 10 a.m. until 11:45 p.m. on Saturdays.
According to Frazier, the total additional cost of remaining open longer is $70,000.
Modell said he is pleased to know the campaign was successful.
""I'm very happy with the results. It shows the directors have shown their respect to the needs of students,"" Modell said.
As well, students said they feel they will benefit greatly from the new 24-hour study spot.
""I think it's a good idea because when you have a roommate sometimes it can be hard to study late at night,"" Kate Streit, a UW-Madison sophomore said. ""Now we'll have a place to go.\
