In December of 2023, books began to leave the walls of the Lydia M. Olson Library, signifying the start of its renovation. 

The main purpose of renovating the space was to cater to the demographics of students and their needs. With the building having been built in the late 1960s, Dean of the library and instructional support Leslie Warren said the renovation has been a long time coming. 

“These plans to renovate have been in the works even since before I was dean,” Warren said. “There have been a lot of people who have been thinking and dreaming about this for a long time, and I’m excited that it’s happening.”

At the time, the library was built the main space was for stacks of books. In recent years, the library has also come to house common spaces, computer spaces, printers and study rooms. The ways students are learning and studying have changed, so the library followed suit and changed to assist students and their learning processes.

“The new library is built with the students at the heart of it, for what students need now compared to what students needed 50 years ago,” Warren said. “Every decision that we’re making we’re thinking, ‘What does this mean for our students?’”

The first thing tackled after the books and furniture were relocated was an asbestos abatement for the foundation. Prior to the demolition the asbestos was encapsulated and safe for all library attendees, but with vibrations and movement from renovations an outside environmental safety firm suggested its removal due to the possibility of disturbing it. 

After this removal, the building crew began to take down the walls of the original Olson Library. As time passes, students can see progress on the build, with walls and ceilings beginning to be replaced.

The space will not only be modernized but also include new features. 

A grand staircase will be built in the middle of the library so students can have easy access to its upper level. More outlets will be spread throughout all floors of the facility. The Writing Center, Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center, All-Campus Tutoring and the Archives will all be moved into the Olson Library after its construction is finished. Private rooms for VR use will be added, along with more study rooms, classrooms and a reading room.

“We’re looking at things that are important for students that should be easy to find but currently are tucked away,” Warren said.

In addition to these spaces, offices for the political science, economics, history and philosophy programs will be moved to the newly built fourth floor.

Another main goal for the new library is for the atmosphere to enhance students’ learning and the ways they study. 

“I am most excited about the library being brighter and more inviting. It was built so long ago, it was really dark when you walked in,” library Director Jennifer Donner said.

The library’s staff also anticipates a sense of community to return to students and staff when the building’s transformation is finished and events like Wildpups return to its walls.

The renovations are currently on schedule, with the construction’s end date landing in December of 2025 and the new library opening to the public in January 2026.

Visit the library’s renovation webpage for updates and a timeline of the construction process.