Library Commons at UIS

The Library Commons is a publicly funded project made possible by a $42.5 million investment from the State of Illinois. The three-story, 52,000-square-foot building will be located between the Student Union and the Health Sciences Building on the UIS quad. Site preparation for the construction of this project is currently in progress.

Timeline

• November 2018: The UI System Board approved the University of Illinois Capital Budget Request for fiscal year 2020. Included in that request was $35 million to fund the new Library Commons at UIS. The State approved the funding request, and the Capital Development Board (CDB) released $3.5 million for the planning and design of the facility.
• September 2021: The Board approved the design of the new building, and the remaining $31.5 million was subsequently released to the CDB.
• January 2023: The Board approved a $3.5 million increase to the project budget.
• April 2023: Bids were opened.
• May 2023: The CDB and UIS worked with Bailey Edwards to resize the project in light of national increases in construction costs, while prioritizing the student experience, design integrity, and the ability to meet LEED Gold Certification.
• Late 2024: The university has worked with the state to invite contractors to bid on the project, award a construction contract in late 2024, and start construction in 2025.
• July 2025: Site preparation for the construction of Library Commons began on July 7, 2025.

A Modern Pillar of Campus

The new facility will combine the library, advising and academic support, career development and tech support services into one accessible, student-centered space. Designed for collaboration and flexibility, its layout will feature group and individual study areas, computer stations, open seating and a 100+ seat flexible classroom. The building will make services easy to find and meet LEED Gold standards for energy efficiency.

Focusing on student academic support

The following services will be brought together to help support student retention and success.

• Library
• Center for Academic Success and Advising (CASA)
• Career Development Center
• Information Technology Services (ITS)

Considerations

Building design was guided by five themes:

• Student Centeredness: welcoming, inclusive, dynamic
• Flexibility: multi-use and adaptable environments
• Intuitiveness: ease of navigation, integrated services
• Inspiration: showcase learning, aspirational and energetic environment
• Sustainability: LEED Gold

Library Commons Features

120-Seat multi-use, flexible classroom

Teaming, collaboration and meeting spaces

Quiet study spaces

What's Coming: Construction Updates

Livestream View

Watch the construction progress of Library Commons from our livestream.

Site Preparation and Construction Priorities for July

• Temporary fencing will be installed around the construction site and Parking Lot A-North. Pedestrian sidewalks will stay open.
• Signs will be added along campus roads to guide construction traffic and ensure main campus streets remain accessible.
• Utility markers (i.e., small, colored flags) will be placed around the construction site to indicate where it’s safe for crews to dig.
• Construction crews will typically work between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. throughout the summer. Work hours may change in the fall.
• Electrical crews will soon install temporary power for the construction site and begin removing some sidewalks and light poles.
• Plumbing crews will begin underground sewer work between July 7 and July 25. Large equipment and concrete pipes will be delivered.
• Tree removal and ground leveling will begin soon. Foundation work, including drilling for support columns, will start between July 7 and July 25.

Please note: All activities are subject to change due to weather or material availability.

Alternate Walking Routes

For safety measures, as site preparation and construction take place between the Health Sciences Building and Student Union, employees, students and campus visitors should avoid walking through parking Lot A-North and the sidewalks surrounding the construction area.

Parking Lot Limitations

As the University begins constructing Library Commons, parking Lot A-North will be closed for employees, students and campus visitors starting on July 7 to allow the contractor to install fencing to convert the lot into a laydown area for materials and carrying out construction operations.

If you typically park in Lot A-North, parking Lot B is nearby and open to both Economy and Standard hang tags. You can view parking maps or visit Parking Operations' website to explore all campus parking options. Please note that the small parking lot immediately south of HRB will remain open and accessible.

Due to the closure of Lot A-North, Cox Children’s Center employees will need to park in Lot B during this time. Families are encouraged to follow the detour through Lot A that runs along the buildings to the circle drive at Cox Children's Center, helping keep the usual route clear for contractors and reducing the risk of tire damage.

Please stay tuned for additional updates as construction for Library Commons progresses and logistics are finalized with the contractor.

FAQs