---
title: Freshening the Air—and the View
date: 2018-10-01T04:18:00-04:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/freshening-air-and-view-7f661fe5-239c-4b77-887c-9e2959131140"
section: Articles
---
# Freshening the Air—and the View

*October 1, 2018* — by [Chris Carroll](/author/chris-carroll)


> Libraries Install Living Wall at McKeldin

*Thumb 11 230x230 — John T. Consoli*

You might do a double take if you haven’t been in McKeldin Library for a while, but don’t worry—rogue plants aren’t taking over. The vertical expanse of green to the right near Footnotes Cafe is a “biowall,” funded primarily by a recent donation from Patricia Steele, former libraries dean, and her husband, Charles, and from the student-financed Sustainability Fund. Gary White, the libraries’ associate dean for public services, says it’s intended to create a better atmosphere for guests—both visually and in air quality—during the renovation of McKeldin’s ground floor, and will continue spreading green good vibes once the work is done.