New Theater at Swem: Williamsburg Library Upgrade

Hey neighbors! If you’ve been around the Williamsburg / Historic Triangle long enough, you know how much history we carry with us. Places aren’t just bricks or stone, they’re memories, stories, community. So when I heard that Swem Library at William & Mary was getting a facelift, not just a fresh coat of paint, but a full-on renovation of its old theater, I got excited. Because this change? It’s about bringing people together in one of Williamsburg’s signature institutions.

Here’s the scoop. In December 2025, Swem Library is rolling out a brand-new theater, now called the Glenna Bowman MacKenzie Theater, named in honor of alumna Glenna Bowman MacKenzie, thanks to a generous gift from her husband, Earle MacKenzie ’74. Their love story started right on Swem’s second floor while they were students, and decades later that connection helped give new life to a place filled with memories.

The old theater built back in the mid-1960s when the library originally opened had fallen out of use. It was outdated, difficult to access, and just wasn’t equipped for modern needs. But thanks to the renovation, the space will now offer comfortable seating for around 70 people, full accessibility, better lighting, and updated high-tech gear for film screenings, lectures, livestreams basically everything you’d expect from a modern, multipurpose theater.

Why does this matter, especially for locals, new residents, or military families relocating here? Because Swem Library isn’t just for students. It’s part of what gives Williamsburg and the surrounding Hampton Roads region its intellectual pulse. More spaces like this mean more community events, film nights, lectures, panel talks, things that make this area more than just a place to live, but a place to belong.

For families or people considering moving into Williamsburg, this renovation signals something important: the community here values history and progress. We cherish our roots whether that’s colonial-era buildings, old brick streets, or college institutions like William & Mary. At the same time, we’re not afraid to update, improve, and adapt to the needs of today.

So whether you’re a prospective home buyer, a military spouse looking to settle in the Historic Triangle, or just someone who loves participating in local culture, keep an eye on the calendar at Swem. This new theater is going to be a hub for learning, community, and shared experiences. Maybe film nights. Maybe guest lectures. Maybe something I’ll bring up if I know a friend in real estate or relocation who’s looking for that community vibe.

Let me know if you want a heads-up when the theater opens, I’m happy to help.

Jackie Berberabe, a Williamsburg real estate agent, Military Relocation Professional, and proud military spouse
P.S. I work with military members and their families buy and sell homes in:
⭐ Williamsburg ⭐ Yorktown ⭐ Newport News ⭐ Toano ⭐ Hampton ⭐ Poquoson

Military Installations:
🇺🇸 Joint Base Langley Eustis
🇺🇸 Naval Weapons Station Yorktown / Cheatham Annex
🇺🇸 Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown

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#militaryrelocation
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