With WWII deprivations receding and the campus’ student body growing, college leaders and supporters pressed for funding for a library that would meet the needs of its students. In 1950, that building opened. In 1973, a tower was added, housing most of the growing book collection. Since that time, every other UNC System university has seen major updates to its library. Now, Jackson Library – thanks to funding earmarked by the NC Legislature and signed by the governor – will elevate its place as the University’s central intellectual space, where learning, knowledge creation, and community are fostered in an inviting setting.

“The library is the heart of campus,” says Michael Crumpton, dean of University Libraries. “It’s centrally located enough on the main campus that you’re in the flow for all needs – our student union on one side, dining hall on another. And with an entrance on all four sides, it’ll be literally the campus’ crossroads.”

Students’ needs are at the fore with this project, and focus groups and listening sessions helped show what they want and need.

The library’s environment will be welcoming, which was a theme among the students’ wishes. “That can mean connection to nature,” the dean says. “It can mean having a diverse set of spaces. We want it to be inclusive.”

Aside from areas for studying and quietly working, there’ll be “The Hub,” which also is responsive to students’ desires. It’s a place for relaxation. An enhanced vending area for drinks and snacks, a space for stress relief, and a neurodiverse area are some offerings. Parents will have a child-friendly space.

And, of course, there’s respect for the print collection, the dean notes.

During the construction project on the tower, many books are being temporarily moved, but the great majority will return. “Anything a faculty member, student, or anyone else wants will be secured for them,” Crumpton says. “We’ve also been buying a lot of electronic resources.” He notes that students gravitate toward these.

“When the project is completed, it’s going to have the right mix of what people need,” he adds.

The comprehensive renovation includes updating the existing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, life safety, and audiovisual systems. It will also address accessibility (ADA requirements) and universal design, one example being providing ample spacing between the rows of bookshelves in the tower.

Some other features that’ll be big news:

• A prominent new entryway on the west tower, near the Walker Avenue traffic circle, will become a welcoming face toward what many students consider the heart of campus.
• To bring the outdoors in (another request from students), the “perch” above the western entrance, looking toward the Quad and Kaplan Commons, will provide a peaceful reading and relaxing space.
• A feeling of openness drives the interior architecture. A nature-inspired palette, with nods to wood, stone, and bronze metal, will be enlivened by pops of color as you walk through.
• A new entrance to the lower level on the original building’s north side – facing Moran Commons and South Spencer – will provide even more accessibility.

One thing that will be practically unchanged? The eastern front portico. “We’re going to maintain the historic columns, the entry portico, and the marble that you see,” says University Architect and Director of Facilities Design & Construction David Friedman. As you enter, the foyer will maintain much of the existing marble on the wall and original stair. Beyond, you’ll be stunned by a glimpse of daylight through the library’s “main street” straight ahead.

Construction Timeline

That may be the biggest surprise. “University libraries used to be very wooden, closed spaces. Now, at our library, you’ll have a sense of transparency,” says Dr. LaTesha Velez, professor in the Library and Information Services program and member of the library project’s design oversight committee.

She was once a librarian at Jackson, and her academic research has focused on library spaces and what younger students need. In a nutshell, the project will deliver three key things: Quiet spaces for those students looking for silence, spaces for collaborating with classmates on projects, and “access to tech resources, software, and reference librarians right there in the library.”

Academic success is paramount, Crumpton says. “It’ll be as close to a one-stop-shop as you could achieve.” Some highlights will include the UNCG Information Technology Services help desk, the Academic Achievement Center, the tutoring component for the Student Success Center, the Digital Media Commons, and many reference librarians.

Velez notes libraries are not as quiet as they once were. Perhaps students never wanted quiet in every part of the library, anyway. “Shushing was not what they wanted. It may have been what librarians wanted,” she explains.

The full project will be completed by Spring 2028. The northern section of Kaplan Commons will be fenced in and used as a staging area for construction materials and equipment.