<p>As a UF undergraduate 30 years ago, before becoming a best-selling author, Michael Connelly could likely be found buried in a book at Library West. </p>
<p>Connelly returned to the library Friday to speak at the dedication ceremony of its recent renovation, alongside about 200 administrators, faculty, donors and students. </p>
<p>As a student who didn't know what he wanted to do with his life, Connelly said the library had a big impact on the direction he went. </p>
<p>"People come to Library West for ideas and inspiration, and I'm a product of that," he said. </p>
<p>Susannah Borg, chairwoman of the Smathers Libraries Leadership Board, said the new library puts UF in position to be one of the best universities. </p>
<p>"What we're really trying to accomplish is for Florida to be in the Top 10 (of public universities), and to do that we needed to bring the library up to speed," said Borg. </p>
<p>UF President Bernie Machen also praised the new facility for its ability to help students succeed. </p>
<p>"Everything about this facility is meant to meet the academic demands of today and tomorrow," said Machen. </p>
<p>He said Library West gets 7,000 visitors a day and 1.5 million a year. </p>
<p>"Library West is a meeting place, and I guess it does seem to help that we have a Starbucks," he said. </p>
<p>The renovation cost $30 million, took three years to plan and another three years to complete. </p>
<p>Ralf Remshardt, associate professor of theater and chair of the University Libraries Committee, said he believes the library is the home of something very special. </p>
<p>"Where (Ben Hill Griffin Stadium) is the beating heart of UF, Library West is where the soul of the university can be found," Remshardt said. </p>
<p>Bruce Smathers, son of the late George A. Smathers who donated $20 million to UF's libraries, also attended the event. </p>
<p>The renovated Library West is a place his father would have loved, Smathers said. </p>
<p>"I think he would be extremely impressed with the facility," he said. "If UF is going to become a Top 10 research institution, it needs to have a top library system." </p>
<p>Smathers said he feels that the new library helps push UF ahead. </p>
<p>"Library West puts UF heads and shoulders above other universities in the state, and it puts UF among the best universities in the country," he said. </p>