CARBONDALE - With most of the front lawn fenced off and nary a book in sight on the first floor, Morris Library is not what it once was.

But when the renovations are complete, David Carlson, dean of the Southern Illinois University Carbondale library, believes it will be better than ever.

Friends of Morris Library got their first peek at what the library may become on Friday night during their annual banquet.

Friends were first introduced to the new veranda on the third floor, a quiet corner with soft chairs and a view of the illuminated clock at Pulliam Hall. They later took tours of the second and third floors and then ventured to the SIUC Student Center for dinner.

Carlson said the ribbon cutting for the library should be in mid-April, and students will able to access the first floor again in January. Carlson said when the renovations are finished, they will prove worth the three-year wait.

"It will be one of the most important characteristics of the university in the 21st Century," Carlson said.

Some of the changes on the first floor will include a separate area that will stay open until 3 a.m., and it will have a coffee shop. The second floor will mainly be a staff area, plus a librarian classroom able to accommodate 27 students. Each floor will also have a pair of computers near the stairwells for students to look up call numbers.

In addition to the veranda, the third floor will also house the renovated American Heritage room containing antique furniture. The former mechanical room now has hardwood floors and a classic design.

After the tours, the group headed to dinner and heard from author Jason Emerson, whose book, "The Madness of Mary Lincoln," was published by SIU Press. The book explores letters Lincoln wrote to a friend during her time in an asylum.

The Syracuse, N.Y. author said he was impressed with the library and will even be using one of its documents for his next book, "Lincoln the Inventor."

Carlson said after three years of renovations, he is content to see results inching closer.

Interim Chancellor Samuel Goldman said he is pleased with the progress so far and believes the university will be rewarded for its patience.

"When it's all said and done, it will be a wonderful facility," Goldman said. "The students are really going to enjoy this."

codell.rodriguez@thesouthern.com

351-5804