The Classics Library at The University of Texas at Austin has reopened following a year-long closure for renovations aimed at enhancing accessibility and improving study spaces.

The refreshed library, located in Waggener Hall, features new furniture, more open spaces, and improved lighting, with windows no longer obstructed by old shelving units.

The renovations were completed as part of additional work occurring in the building, and offered an opportunity to provide a more accessible and comfortable environment for students and faculty.

Jennifer Lee, Director of Discovery and Access for the Libraries, oversaw the updates, which are part of ongoing efforts to modernize library spaces across campus to meet the ever-changing needs of users.

“The temporary closure of the Classics Library was challenging, but the end result is a library space that is more open and accessible, both in terms of aesthetics as well as movement within the space,” says Lee.  “It’s been exciting to welcome students and researchers back into the library.”

The library continues to serve as an essential resource for faculty and students in the Department of Classics, many of whom attended a reopening event on September 10.

Vice Provost and Director of the Libraries Lorraine Haricombe emphasized the significance of the library as a space for learning and intellectual growth.

“Our mission is to connect people with knowledge and to empower them with the tools they need for personal and academic development,” said Haricombe. “The Classics Library remains a beloved location for students and faculty alike, and the feedback on the renovations has been overwhelmingly positive.”