By Arthur Clinton, News Reporter
The library was initially due to open at the start of term but has been pushed back to mid-October as additional building work is required to complete the £1.8 million project.
The lower floors of the ASSL are receiving a makeover as the Library Services Desk and IT Helpdesk will merge to create a new welcome and enquiries hub, aiming ‘to make it easier for students to access support quickly and efficiently’ according to the University.
Alongside a refresh of the café, new spaces are being added to the library; these include an exhibition gallery and a creative lab intended for exploring emerging technologies such as virtual reality and podcasting. The gallery will display items from the University’s Theatre Collection, Special Collections, and Public Art from early 2026.
In response to the delay, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students Tansy Jessop said:
‘We apologise for the delayed opening of the Arts and Social Sciences Library. Lots of measures are in place to minimise disruption and ensure students are still able to access our services and collections.
‘Once open in a few weeks’ time, the refurbished library will provide students with a refreshed and welcoming space which allows for focused and creative study, and where support is easier to access.’
While the ASSL is closed, temporary spaces in the Richmond Building and Canynge Hall are available to accommodate displaced students, and the Hawthorns Study Lounge opening times have been extended to provide a 24/7 study space for late-night workers.
Books and other print materials can still be borrowed from the ASSL using the Click and Collect service, or from Wills Memorial Library as essential collections have been temporarily moved.
Featured Image:Epigram / Cara Hene
