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Speer Family Visits PTS Library
The family of Robert E. Speer gathered in the Robert E.
Speer Library this spring to mark the publication of John F. Piper Jr.’s
Robert E. Speer: Prophet of the American Church (Geneva Press). Speer
relatives included a granddaughter, great grandchildren, great-great
grandchildren, grand nephews, and a grand niece. PTS faculty, staff, and
trustees, as well as friends of the Seminary, were also on hand. Piper,
who spoke at the gathering, is professor of history and academic dean at
Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
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Speer family members and PTS staff gather in front of the library named
for Robert E. Speer. |
Stephen D. Crocco, PTS’s James Lenox Librarian, welcomed guests to the
event by saying, “We are here today to acknowledge one great man, John A.
Mackay, who had the vision to honor another great man, Robert E. Speer, by
building the Robert E. Speer Library, which opened with great acclaim in
1957.” The library still serves the community well, but with its
approaching golden anniversary, renovations are needed. Mechanical systems
are wearing out; fire, safety, and accessibility features must be updated
to meet current codes; and electronic access issues need to be addressed.
Changing expectations of patrons and the nature of library services in the
21st century mean the facility needs some changes.
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Robert E. Speer |
President Thomas W. Gillespie has appointed a committee to begin
preparation for a major renovation of Speer Library as part of the
Seminary’s long-range bicentennial plan being developed by the Board of
Trustees. PTS professor Scott Hendrix chairs the committee, which includes
representatives from the faculty, library staff, and administration. The
committee is preparing a survey to solicit input and suggestions from
students, faculty, alumni/ae, and other patron groups.
An
upcoming issue of inSpire will invite readers to give input for the
renovations. The planning committee will welcome your ideas as they seek
to shape a library that will be effective far into the future. |
