Photo by Rich Schineller

It’s not every day you see observance of a pagan ritual on a modern and future-minded college campus, but as Ringling College of Art and Design President Dr. Larry Thompson said at yesterday’s topping out ceremony for the new school library, hoisting a tree atop the construction, “We don’t want to tick off the tree-dwelling spirits here at Ringling College.” In addition to placating any possibly vengeful nymphs, Thompson took the opportunity to announce not only the official name for the much-touted ‘Library of the Future’ but also the assignation of Ringling College’s new director of library services, a spot left vacant since Kathleen List’s retirement more than a year ago.

Coming in at 46,000 square feet, the newly-styled Alfred R. Goldstein Library at the corner of Old Bradenton Road and Martin Luther King, Jr. Way not only marks the first time the college will be able to display and utilize its entire collection, 30 percent of which remains in off-campus storage, but also the introduction of what Thompson dubbed the ‘Creative Cauldron’—a massive interdisciplinary space for students to meet, explore and collaborate with untethered vigor, directly in the educational vortex. “To say that this endeavor is important would be an understatement,” said Thompson. “It will be transformational for our campus, our students, our faculty and staff and the whole community.”

Named for longtime Ringling College supporter Dr. Alfred Goldstein, who received an honorary degree from the college in 2013, Thompson labeled his support “instrumental” in Ringling’s trajectory, alongside fundraising efforts from Isabel Norton and Carolyn Johnson, who raised the necessary funds one year ahead of schedule and with $1 million extra on top.

Just in time, Kristina Keogh joins Ringling College as the new director of library services. Keogh comes to Sarasota from Indiana University Bloomington, where she served as head of the Fine Arts Library. “I look forward to working with all of you to ensure that the Ringling College Library's tradition of providing access to exemplary collections, excellent services and spaces that allow for creative experimentation and innovation follow us into this beautiful new building,” said Keogh.

As for the current Vernon Kimbrough Library, the building will be repurposed for yet undisclosed means but will keep the Kimbrough name. “Keeping the name allows us to continue to honor Vernon Kimbrough,” Thompson told the gathered crowd. “He is the one who really founded Ringling College of Art and Design.”

Photo by Rich Schineller