The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) recently celebrated the reopening of the newly renovated Ida J. McMillan Library. The library officially reopened on August 14, 2023. However, on October 9, 2023, with trustees, faculty, staff, and many from the student body in attendance, a formal ribbon cutting ceremony and a prayer of blessing occurred at the library. The ceremony was held almost five years to the day after the library was destroyed by Hurricane Michael in 2018.
“The reopening was a culmination of months of hard work by many people that began in early Spring 2023. It was a testimony to the integrity and work ethic of the library staff. Seeing the vision and design come to life was amazing. I am so grateful for all the time, effort, and resources that were put into the library. Our students deserve this space to study and work.”
Melissa Justice, Director of Library Services
With thousands of books at their fingertips, our students do more than simply sit down to read a book. They can take a walk through history and see the structures of ancient civilizations as they prepare to teach the next generation. Students can sit down for a conversation with an early church father or theologian. They can examine the psychology theories of the last several centuries and learn from the successes and failures of entrepreneurs and executives. Abigail Lignell, a sophomore majoring in Elementary Education, said, “I think it is important to have a quiet space strictly reserved for studying. I appreciate the school for taking the time and money to build the library back up.”
The Ida J. McMillan Library has grown and changed over the years and has developed into a space fitting for the vision and future of the soon-to-be Baptist University of Florida (BUF).
“The McMillian Library serves the college as the heart of the academic experience. Students find an exceptional space to research, study, and discover resources. The renovated and reopened space is equipped with the latest technology for an efficient experience. The library staff offers superior service in assisting students to fulfill the rigorous demands of each class. Library hours accommodate the students’ schedules and rhythms of study. The library houses an outstanding collection of monographs, reference material, and search engines to assist undergraduate and graduate students in fulfilling their academic requirements. Furniture and study rooms enable students to complete group projects, plan presentations, and coordinate efforts in comfortable, appropriate spaces. The McMillian Library stands ready to serve the students with all the academic resources of an expanding vision.”
Clayton Cloer, President
The McMillan Library is a place where students will gain knowledge to become better equipped to fulfill their calling to magnify Christ in every career field.
The Baptist College of Florida, soon-to-be the Baptist University of Florida is Florida’s affordable, accessible, contextual, and exceptional Christian higher education institution. Join the movement today at baptistcollege.edu/apply.
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