Renovation of Carolina Rediviva will bring more reading places
"I A-salen ska det bli fler läsplatser än vi har idag, en ökning från 75 till 110, och förbättrad ventilation", säger Linda Thorn bibliotekarie vid universitetsbiblioteket. Foto: Mikael Wallerstedt
Preparations are under way for surface renovation at the University Library, Carolina Rediviva. The renovation will also increase the number of reading places. Library users will begin to see the effects in late autumn, above all in the Special Collections Reading Room and Study Halls A and B.
“We will begin to evacuate rooms in the autumn, but it will not affect users until late autumn,” says Linda Thorn, librarian at the University Library.
It is primarily the Special Collections Reading Room and Study Halls A and B that will be affected. These are generally patronised by researchers and students, but are also used by recreational researchers and visiting researchers from abroad.
During the renovation, some material will be moved down into storage but will still be available to users. The Special Collections Reading Room will be temporarily replaced by a smaller room on the third floor.
“We will need to close the Special Collections Reading Room service for relatively short periods while moving in the autumn and we will try to provide information about this as far in advance as possible. Up-to-date information is always posted on the library’s website,” Thorn says.
Initiated by the National Property Board
The project has been initiated by the National Property Board of Sweden (SFV) and involves surface renovation of floors, walls and ceilings, electricity and plumbing. The University aims to take the opportunity offered by SFV’s renovation works to improve the environment for research and study by making the most of the cultural and historical value of the premises, removing bookcases and shelves that are unsightly or impair ventilation, and increasing the number of reading places to some extent.
There is a timetable, but it is subject to change, Thorn warns.
“Right now, we are busy preparing for the renovation. Some workplaces for our staff will be affected and will need to be relocated. We are also taking the opportunity to review the furnishings and will be taking some steps to freshen up the furniture in Study Halls A and B.”
Furniture will be renovated
Thorn tells us that the tables in Study Hall A date from 1917 and will be renovated. The tables from the 1940s in Study Hall B will also be renovated and supplemented with some height-adjustable tables.
“There will be more reading places in Study Hall A than we have now – 110 instead of 75 – and improved ventilation,” Thorn promises.
The Special Collections Reading Room will also undergo surface renovation and all the loose furnishings there will be replaced.
Annica Hulth
Timetable for renovation
October 2024: Evacuation of collections and staff in the Special Collections Reading Room and surrounding areas begins.
November 2024: Special Collections Reading Room closes and the service moves temporarily to the third floor.
June 2025: Evacuation of collections in Study Halls A and B begins. Study hall tables and chairs sent for renovation.
April-June 2026: Refurnishing and adaptations.
September 2026: Renovation completed.