Frequently asked questions

The surface renovation of the reading rooms was funded by the National Property Board (SFV), while the University covered the costs of the renovation of the furnishings. The aim of the appeal was to finance the restoration of tables and chairs, as well as additional interior details, in order to preserve the cultural-historical environment for future generations.

The raised funds were used for the restoration of chairs and desks in the older reading rooms A and B. The appeal also made it possible to finance the renovation of additional original features in the reading rooms. For example, reviewing the lighting in the desk lamps from the 1960s, restoring reading areas in the apse, and building custom-made bookshelves.

The furniture is original and from 1917 and 1945. It has great value for the cultural and historical environment of the library. We therefore want it to last for many more years to come. It is also unsustainable to buy new furniture, both economically and from a resource perspective.

The fundraising appeal ran between April 2025 and June 2026.

The reading rooms at Carolina Rediviva will reopen again on 31 August 2026, and are open to the public.

Private individuals, groups, associations and companies were able to donate.

Starting in the spring of 2025, the older reading rooms at Carolina Rediviva underwent a surface renovation. The goal was to restore, preserve, and improve a valued study and research environment through careful renovation and modernisation.

Furnishings and details were preserved and restored to resemble the original design. New bookshelves were built in the same style as the older ones, study places in the apse were created, and the lighting in the desk lamps from the 1960s was overhauled. Site lighting and ventilation was also improved. The number of overall study places increased and were supplemented with accessible places.

Read more about the overall renovation of the reading rooms on Uppsala University Library's website.

The restoration of tables and chairs was carried out by the master carpenters and furniture conservators Johan Ekström and Louise Herstedt. Johan Ekström led the restoration of the Augsburg Art Cabinet during the renovation of Gustavianum, Uppsala University's museum.

The architect-in-charge for the property, and design director of the reading rooms, was Josefin Larsson, who was previously responsible for the design of the new National Museum.

The National Property Board (SFV) was responsible for the surface renovation of the reading rooms.

At present, no further fundraising appeals are planned. Please feel free to read about other ways to support Uppsala University: Support Uppsala university