Because the Library was unhappy with the solution, which placed new ceiling diffusers in the ceiling mural, the Library elected to undertake the renovation with private funds.

Upon a detailed field survey, it was discovered that there was six small voids behind the catalog millwork, which were approximately 54 inches wide. It was decided to utilize six small vertical air handlers to serve the space. A route was identified to through the shelving, which allowed hot and chilled water piping to reach an abandoned ventilation riser on the east wall of the room.

As a result, the new climate control could be added without any visible evidence of the installation. As part of the same project, the catalog room moved into the computer age. Parts of the floor were removed, so that new power, lighting, security, and data wiring could be run to each new table, coordinating with the new computerized catalog system being installed to replace the previous paper card catalog system. The original lighting fixtures, installed as part of the original installation in 1912, were restored and refitted with new wiring and lamp sockets. At the same time, all the lighting fixtures in the Main Reading Room and Astor Hall were also upgraded.