Transforming Geisel Library

The much-anticipated renovation of Geisel Library’s 2nd (main) Floor was unveiled in Fall 2022. The redesign of the space is the culmination of the Geisel Library Revitalization Initiative, which launched in 2015 thanks to a $3 million lead gift made by philanthropist Audrey S. Geisel. The initiative was established to transform and rejuvenate the Library’s most heavily used interior public spaces to meet the evolving needs of users in an increasingly digital environment.

In 2016, Audrey’s Café and lounge opened, marking the completion of the initiative’s first phase. Two years later, the renovation of Geisel’s 8th (top) Floor concluded the second segment. The final and most extensive chapter, completed in September 2022, shaped the Library’s new approach to service delivery and renewed our vision for how we as a library spark inspiration, creativity and a passion for learning. Like the other two phases, the changes were informed by several assessments of contemporary user needs and traffic patterns, as well as feedback from students, faculty and staff.

Here’s a look inside the 2nd Floor renovation:

• When entering the building, visitors are now greeted by the Meet Spot. Formerly home to the large circulation desk, the design of this space was inspired by its original use as a reading lounge when the building opened in 1970.

• Another noticeable new addition near the entrance is the 1,000-square-foot exhibition gallery that was built to showcase our unique collections and creative works by students, faculty and alumni. Over the years, this space has served many purposes. Most recently, it was occupied by several printing stations and our information desk. Before that, the area was home to our card catalog.

• The center of our new vision for service delivery, the Service Hub, is grounded in an innovative user-centered philosophy of service crafted by our employees. The Hub brings together our lending, technology, research and access teams who help students with everything from addressing research questions to finding a quiet place to work.

• Located within the Service Hub, students can access technology items 24 hours a day, 5 days a week (24/5) using the BorrowBot, a new self-service lending kiosk.

• A 70-seat classroom was added across from the Service Hub. Previously an employee work area, the interactive room was created to address a pressing need for library instructional space while also generating a new location for student study when classes are not in session. It is equipped with smart technology and flexible furniture to enhance group discussion and active learning.

• The renovation nearly quadrupled the existing 24/5 study area, which now encompasses both the 1st and 2nd Floors in Geisel East — something students have requested for many years.

Other important additions include:

• New consultation rooms where librarians and other Library employees can meet with and assist students, faculty and researchers

• The Nest, a cozy study nook named in honor of Joan B. Freitas (1929-2019) and Archie E. Freitas (1930-2017), which includes a pop-up gallery space for exhibits

• A gender-neutral restroom and a lactation room

• More than 160 seats, creating additional locations for students to study and collaborate

Approximately 18,700 square feet of Geisel’s entrance, lobby and central corridor were remodeled, with 7,800 square feet of employee workspace converted into public user space.