St. Meinrad Seminary & School of Theology

Music is an essential part of worship. To offer better facilities for music, Saint Meinrad Archabbey and the Saint Meinrad Seminary & School of Theology decided it was time to renovate their library to add the Institute of Sacred Music. Three practice rooms, one large music classroom and new offices serve the institute. Special acoustical treatments and design elements were included throughout to minimize sound transfer and accommodate the special acoustical needs/reverberation for Gregorian chants, which are an important part of the liturgy and worship of the community.

In the library, work included new offices, a workroom, new finishes throughout, new casework, restroom upgrades, updates to the art gallery, and more, including a new room – with special humidity and temperature controls – for the expansion of their rare book collection. New mechanical/electrical equipment along with all new lighting throughout provides for energy efficiency and lower utility costs.

The exterior of the library was also updated with the addition of a sloping, clay, tile roof, reflecting the style of the St. Meinrad campus. An updated courtyard at the library’s entrance welcomes visitors and a terrace off the main floor allows patrons to sit and enjoy the scenic views. The library, which was founded in the 19th century and houses more than 170,000 volumes of theological works, is now poised to serve the monastery and Saint Meinrad Seminary & School of Theology for many years to come.