A key space in the University of Newcastle's Auchmuty Library has a stunning new look and state-of-the-art technology for students.

Built more than 40 years ago, the Flowers Reading Room has shed its dim interior and 1960s furniture to become a contemporary study and reading area.

University Librarian Greg Anderson said the Room was a key study location for the thousands of students who used the library each year.

"The refurbished Room provides state-of-the-art facilities including lounges and tables for collaborative work and study, interactive plasma screens, quiet study spaces and a dedicated postgraduate study area," Mr Anderson said.

"Every study space has access to power and data cables for laptop computers and we have installed a massive picture window to let in lots of natural light and make a connection with our bushland campus.

"The refurbished Flowers Reading Room provides a comfortable space to think, study, read and relax and caters to the needs of our students."

The Flowers Reading Room is named in honour of Pat and Ted Flowers, who have a long association with the University of Newcastle and libraries in the Hunter region.

Mrs Flowers joined the Newcastle Technical College Library in 1943 and went on to become the University College Librarian in 1951 and Foundation Librarian at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music before retiring in 1983.

Meeting his wife when he joined the Technical College Library in 1948, Dr Flowers served in a number of roles before taking up a position at the former Newcastle University College as Librarian in 1961. He became University Librarian in 1965 when the University became autonomous.

Dr and Mrs Flowers have a long and distinguished record of community service and the Flowers Reading Room was named in their honour in 1990 for their contribution to the University and the Hunter community.

The refurbishment is the latest project undertaken by the University Library to increase the number of computers, wireless connectivity, group study rooms and interactive technologies to enhance the student experience.

The Flowers Reading Room refurbishment will be officially opened on Friday 4 September 2009 by the University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nicholas Saunders. Pat and Ted Flowers will join in the celebrations.

Photo opportunity: 10am on Friday 4 September 2009. Please meet at the front entrance to the Auchmuty Library, University of Newcastle, Callaghan campus. 'Before' shots can also be provided.

Contact: Blythe Hamilton on 4921 6856 or 0448 898 813.