The University is in the planning phase of repairing the entrace overhang of Ellender Memorial Library.The problem was first brought to the attention of the University when some Nicholls personnel noticed cracks in the masonry. When it was noticed that fragments were beginning to fall off the overhang, a structural engineer was hired to look at the problem.

He discovered that one column moved one way and another moved in the opposite direction. To repair the columns, the cover is being replaced with plaster. Also, the broken and chipped tiles on the undercover of the overhang are being replaced.

“The campus engineer examined the front columns and decided they needed to do some serious repair work,” Carol Mathias, director of Ellender Memorial Library, said.

After examining the structure, the engineer determined that the problem was with the way it was originally constructed in 1980.

“It is not a safety issue that anyone has to be concerned about when they are entering and leaving the library,” Michael Davis, assistant vice president for business affairs for procurement and physical plant operations, said.

According to Davis, if nothing is done to correct the problem, then essentially nothing will happen to the overhang. It “just won’t look very nice.” The only structural problems are the steps and the plaza in front of the library.

“The problem is really more cosmetic,” Mathias said.

Another problem with the entrance is that both of the handicap ramps leading to the building have begun to sink. The brick walkways also have begun to crack.

According to Davis, it is believed that the soil conditions and the presence of cypress trees are contributing to the problem.

He said everything is being done to save the cypress trees, but no one can be sure what the outcome will be.

“I think they should try to save the cypress trees,” Megan Archer, freshman from Cut Off, said. “The trees are what give the campus a southern atmosphere.”

An estimate of what the repairs to the entrance will cost is in the neighborhood of $90,000.

“The appearance of the library needs improvement,” Gladys Wicker, freshman from Baton Rouge, said. “The cracked bricks on the walkways make the library seem much older than it really is.