The W. Russell Fawcett Library will become a state-of-the-art study and learning commons designed to serve the faculty and the students thanks in part to a lead gift of $500,000 for renovation made by Xue Ping Xu and Bei Xu P ’20.

As the intellectual hub of the community, Fawcett Library serves as a crucial link between Webb and the wider world. The facility will be updated with more flexible furnishings and an eye toward supporting the kinds of technological use that is central to its expanding functions. A modern library will serve as a collaborative space that connects students to a large variety of resources ranging from the traditional text to subscription databases, digital networks, and online courses.

Specific plans include updating equipment for improved energy efficiency, updating fire safety controls and backup power, reconfiguring walls in the interior to add two additional classrooms and working spaces for students to meet and study.

Xu has been an active advocate for Webb serving as a regional host for parent and alumni events in Shanghai. The couple also provided early support to assist Webb in The Centennial Years planning.