The Perry-Castañeda Library (PCL) is constantly in transformation, keeping speed with the needs of users by enhancing the library’s facilities, and recent renovations have been breathing new life into aging spaces to better serve students and staff alike.
From modernizing furniture, power, and whiteboards to carpet replacement and staff space rearrangement, renovations aim to create a more conducive environment for learning and collaboration.
Rehab efforts have seen significant changes to key areas such as the additions of the Scholars Lab and the Center for Teaching and Learning office space, and updates to the PCL lobby, with a focus on improving functionality and aesthetics. Additionally, new carpet will has been installed in the map room, replacing the well-worn flooring that dated the space to the previous century.
The fourth-floor quiet study has undergone significant renovations, with significant enhancements to its study areas aimed at elevating user experience and functionality. The notable update affects 6,800 square feet, which now boasts improved aesthetics and functionality. Featuring new accent colors, enhanced Wi-Fi capacity, and personal task lights, this space offers 138 seats, each equipped with enhanced electrical outlet access. Students can choose from a variety of seating options, including lounges, cubicles, and footrests, ensuring comfort and productivity.
The PCL lobby underwent a facelift in the wake of the Scholars Lab opening, covering 4,200 square feet and accommodating 66 seats with electrical outlet access. An added highlight is the inclusion of a 32-seat PC lab equipped with printers and scanners, catering to diverse academic needs. Moreover, the Scholars Lab renovation, spanning an impressive 16,250 square feet, provides an additional 256 seats with electrical outlet access, along with 10 new project rooms, fostering collaborative research endeavors. These renovations signify the library’s commitment to providing an enriching and conducive environment for academic pursuits.
Beyond physical enhancements, the library is also prioritizing the well-being of its staff with the addition of new massage chairs in the staff lounge, as well as in a dedicated wellness room on the fourth floor. These amenities underscore the university’s commitment to supporting the holistic well-being of its community members.
And additional upgrades and improvements are on the horizon. Shaded outdoor seating on the Plaza will provide students with a comfortable space to study and relax, while updates to collaborative spaces on the upper floors will encourage teamwork and innovation. An upcoming renovation of interior fixtures and finishes in the larger restrooms on the second floor will further enhance the library’s amenities, ensuring that students have access to modern and comfortable facilities.
The renovations to PCL reflect the Libraries’ dedication to providing students and staff with state-of-the-art facilities that foster learning, collaboration, and well-being. With substantial completion expected by January of next year, the university looks forward to unveiling a transformed library that will serve as a hub of academic excellence for years to come.