The Valley Library Learning Commons is being renovated for the first time in 17 years for a more modern and accessible feel.

For now, the area is tarped off from the public until September, when construction is set to be completed. 

Until then, library resources such as printers, whiteboards and computers have been relocated to the Autzen Classroom within the library.

Rachel Burgess, library spaces manager said, “We are excited to welcome students back … We’ll have a welcome back party or a grand reopening party to welcome them to the space officially.” 

In January 2024, a committee including multiple library employees and a student planned the renovations to best suit student use.

With 17 years of wear and tear, the whiteboard rooms had started to fall apart. With the construction comes newly refurbished and expanded whiteboard accessibility, according to Burgess. 

Burgess spoke on the accessibility of the new seating as well, “The new stations that we’ve got are all height adjustable, so they can be ergonomically tailored to every student who sits down…” The furniture can also be moved around, making them more effective for group work. 

The nooks are a new installation for private study. They are built in cubby holes, providing privacy and acoustic support for a focused study session.

Bookshelves with built-in seating and charging ports will also be included for efficient use of the space. Burgess said the new space and its furniture will be “very tech friendly.” 

The majority of the old furniture was either repurposed, recycled, sent to OSU surplus or donated to Mount Hood Community College. 

Burgess said none of the renovations were tuition funded, instead being paid for through their donors known as “Friends of The Library.”

Once the Learning Commons reopens, all of the printers, scanners and 3D printers will be returning to the refurbished space.

Any questions or assistance finding resources can be directed to the Borrowing and Information Desk in the library.