AUC Library Renovation

Get ready for a refreshed study experience. This summer, the Library Plaza and the Serenity Room on the Garden Level will be reimagined to create more inviting and engaging spaces for students and visitors. The project will also introduce a new hub equipped with accessible technology to support learning and collaboration.

Revamped Library Spaces

Our goal is simple but ambitious: to create a modern, flexible, and inspiring library that better supports the way our community studies, researches, collaborates, and connects today and into the future.

Over the past several years, we have gathered valuable input from students, faculty, researchers, and staff. Your feedback has directly shaped this redesign. The renewed spaces will feature enhanced collaborative study areas, improved services, upgraded technology, new furniture, and dynamic environments that foster focus, creativity, and interaction.

This renovation brings to life our vision of the library as an open, welcoming hub at the heart of campus, a place where knowledge is shared, ideas grow, and both planned and unexpected encounters spark innovation. It will continue to support independent study and meaningful dialogue, with expert staff available to guide and assist you.

To minimize disruption, work will take place in phases so that we can remain open as much as possible.

Renovation Timeline and What to Expect

Phase 1 – Garden Level

Beginning April 1

The Serenity Room and the entire garden level will close and be handed over to the contractor.
Bound journals and periodicals will be accessible upon request and retrieved by staff.
Group study rooms G001 and G002 on the garden level will be temporarily unavailable.
The garden level will reopen on September 1 with:
- New furniture and additional seating
- Improved technology
- Enhanced study environments

The Library Garden Terrace and Cafe will remain open, though the side entrance may be partially closed due to construction access.

Phase 2 – Full Building Closure

May 24 – September 1

Following final exams, the plaza level and remaining garden-level work will begin. During this time:

The library building will be closed to complete infrastructure upgrades.
Both floors will receive:
- Upgraded networks
- New lighting and flooring
- New furniture
- Modernized study spaces
- A state of art Accessibility Hub on the Plaza level
- Interactive displays and technology
Main Library book stacks will be temporarily closed for safety.

On September 1, at the start of the fall semester, the renovated garden and plaza levels will reopen with new collaborative study spaces ready to welcome you.

Library Services During Summer Closure (May 24 – September 1, 2026)

Even while the building is closed, we remain fully committed to supporting your academic work.

Study Spaces

Rooms P015 and P016 will be open 24/7 throughout the summer.
Library Garden Terrace and Cafe will be open throughout the summer
Both rooms accommodate approximately 80 users and are equipped with 45 desktops and a centralized multi-function printer/scanner.
Library staff will be available to assist with immediate needs.

Book Retrieval

Books can be requested by filling out this form at least 1 working day in advance.
Books will be delivered twice daily (9:00 am and 3:00 pm) to Room P015.
A return box will be available near the side entrance, close to P015.

Bound Periodicals

Periodicals can be requested by filling out this form at least 1 working day in advance.
Periodicals are for in-room use only and cannot be borrowed or checked out.

Document Delivery

Electronic chapters and articles remain fully available.
Send requests to [email protected].
More information is available on our website.

Laptop Borrowing

Laptop borrowing will continue during the renovation period.
Requests must be submitted via email to [email protected] at least 2 working days in advance of the intended pickup date.
Once confirmed, staff will deliver the requested laptop to Room P015 at the agreed-upon time.
All standard procedures for laptop borrowing, inspection, and return will apply, as outlined on the following website and policy.

We encourage users to plan ahead to ensure availability and smooth coordination.

Adaptive Technology

The adaptive technology space will be temporarily closed.
Services will be available in Room P145 (HUSS Building - close to Quick Kiosk), between 9:00 am and 3:30 pm.

Rare Books and Special Collections Library

Available by appointment only.
Email [email protected] at least 24 hours in advance with visit details.
A library staff member will meet visitors at the security desk at the Library Plaza Level entry corridor (outside Room P015) and escort them to and from the Rare Books and Special Collections Library.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be noise?

Some construction noise is unavoidable. The loudest work will be scheduled during late hours when possible. For library users who are looking for a quiet space to work, we recommend using alternative spaces on campus.

Can I still borrow books?

Yes. Borrowing and most services will continue throughout the renovation, though access methods may change temporarily.

Where can I study if spaces are limited?

Rooms P015 and P016 will be available 24/7 in addition to the Library Garden Terrace and Cafe.

Will there be additional study spaces on campus during the renovation?

Yes. The following spaces will be provided as additional study areas during the summer renovation period to support students’ needs. Alternative space will be announced later.

Looking Ahead

This renovation is more than an upgrade; it is an investment in the future of learning at AUC. We are creating a library that reflects evolving technologies, new modes of scholarship, and the collaborative spirit of our community. We appreciate your patience during this transformation and look forward to welcoming you into a renewed, reimagined library this fall. Continue to check the library website library.aucegypt.edu regularly for updates. If you have any questions, contact us at [email protected].