Preparation For Repairs on the Library Stairs

By Shae Lampinen

The front of The University of Olivet's library, The Burrage Library, and all the damage.

OLIVET, Mich. — The University of Olivet's library, The Burrage Library’s stairs are cracking and falling apart. The university is taking the next steps to fix them. The damages to the stairs were first acknowledged in early 2025 to Chad Green, the director of the physical plant. 

“Repairing stone is not a skill set that most contractors have. So, for the first three months, four months, I couldn't get anyone to call me back,” Green said.

Green was given an estimate of $114,000 to repair the stairs using limestone by the company Davenport Masonry. That estimate has not been approved by the university yet. Green found L.D. Clark Company, which is willing to repair with concrete. No estimate has been received yet. 

“It’s complex because of the way the steps are made and trying to preserve the historical integrity of the building,” Ryan Shockey, vice president said.

The Burrage library’s stairs are made of limestone. According to Britannica Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is mostly made of calcium carbonate. A sedimentary rock is formed by the hardening of sediment over time. Limestone, in comparison to other rocks, is a soft material. This allows for damages to be quicker and larger. 

“If you want to replace one step, you have to find a matching stone, and if you replace all of them, you have to find a stone that matches the building,” Green said. “It's not like you just go to Lowe's and pick out the stone, you have to find a quarry that makes the stone you are looking for.” 

The damage to the library stairs with cones on the biggest problem areas.

There were cones put on the problem area of the stairs to act as a warning to students, staff, faculty, and anyone entering to be cautious when walking up and down the stairs. There are multiple entrances to the building as well. One from the parking lot and the other from the front, entering directly into the basement.  

“Most of my tour guides are still showing [The Burrage Library], they are just going through the bottom part of the library. It’s a big spot for tours because of the resources, so we are still trying to show it,” Mekenzie Allen, assistant director of admissions said.

“On tours, the stairs could look a little bit nicer to show off to prospective students and their families.” Taylor Facca, junior said. 

Multiple people in the library were contacted, and they all chose to give no comment.