The Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture is a national research library devoted to collecting, preserving and providing access to resources documenting the history and experiences of peoples of African descent throughout the world. The renovation of the Schomburg Center includes the creation of a new Center for Scholars, as well as the renovation of several key public spaces. A new glass façade, complete with a video wall viewable at night from Malcolm X Boulevard, and a prominent new entry, announce the library to the neighborhood. A new street-level gallery was created by inserting a partial floor in the former double-height reading room. The reading room can be seen from the gallery and has been reconfigured to reveal a soaring ceiling topped with acoustic wood panels. The room is the dramatic setting for Aaron Douglas's four signature 1934 murals titled "Aspects of Negro Life." The new Center for Scholars has a Scholar's Forum area for readings and lectures, private offices and a conference room. The project includes the renovation of the reading and reference areas, electronic research area, Photo Print Vault Room, stacks and entrance lobby. The building's systems and electronically controlled systems were completely upgraded.
