Carolina Rediviva’s refurbished reading rooms reopening soon

After just over a year of renovation works, it’s finally time to re-open some of Uppsala University Library’s best known study environments. The goal was to combine heritage conservation with today’s needs for functional study places.

A consistent theme was to preserve as much as possible of the original environments. The ceiling light fittings in reading room A have been restored, and where shades needed to be replaced, special glass blowers were hired to create new shades that harmonise with the originals.

“It’s been about preserving the reading rooms in their original condition and restoring them to their original splendour. The renovations also included regular dialogue with those who use the rooms on a daily basis. The library gathered views from students and researchers on both the work environment and future needs,” says Library Director Johanna Hansson.

Particular focus on the lighting and acoustics

The bookshelves now have better lighting and new lighting scenarios have been programmed for the ceiling fittings. The sound environment in reading room A was also analysed by acousticians on site under conditions of normal operations.

“But it's also important to consider that if we deaden the sound too much, it won’t be experienced as a pleasant silence. We’ve focused on finding just the right level in each of the reading rooms,” says Bengt Skoglund, property manager at the National Property Board of Sweden (SFV).

The modernisations were deliberately kept to a minimum. Besides improved lighting, more Wi-Fi points and improved accessibility, the ambition was to let the historical environments to remain the focus.

Fundraising financed the renovations

The restored desks and chairs were an important aspect of the project. And they could be renovated partly thanks to fundraising carried out in collaboration with Uppsala University’s Development Office. The fundraising addressed mainly the University’s alumni, but remains open to anyone who wants to contribute to the preservation of the library’s cultural heritage.

“The desks and chairs were renovated via the fundraising, but we have also added modern height-adjustable chairs and four height-adjustable desks to improve accessibility,” says Linda Thorn, project manager at the University Library.

During the summer, artworks from the library’s own collections will also be hung in the rooms.

Official opening during the jubilee

The Special Reading Room, whose activities were temporarily moved to level 3 during the renovation period, has also undergone extensive changes. The room is used for studying unique and sensitive material and is subject to special safety procedures. A new internal glazed room has also been built inside here for researchers and visitors who need to talk about the material without disturbing other users in the room.

Despite the extensive works, it has been possible to continue normal operations in the library throughout the construction period, albeit with some construction noise. When the doors open again, it will mark the end of a restoration project that brought together historical values, requests from users, and future study needs.

“The official opening ceremony will take place on 2 March 2027 as part of Uppsala University’s jubilee year. Before this, an honour board will also be put up showing the names of the people who have made particularly generous contributions in the fundraising,” says Johanna Hansson.

Johan Ahlenius