Excitement is growing at the University of Illinois Springfield as construction is underway on the new Library Commons building. The publicly funded project was made possible by a $42.5 million investment from the State of Illinois. The three-story, 52,000-square-foot building is being built next to the Student Union and is expected to open in 2027.
The project represents a bold step forward in reimagining how academic spaces can support student learning, engagement and success. The Library Commons will do more than house books. The facility will combine the library, advising and academic support, career development and tech support into one accessible, student-centered space.
Service desks on each floor will assist students with technology questions and help them locate information in both print and electronic formats. Without leaving the building, students can speak with an advisor, meet with a career counselor, schedule interviews with corporate recruiters and visit the popular Learning Hub, which offers peer-to-peer tutoring. Students will also encounter their peers working at the help desks or serving as peer researchers in the library, creating a vibrant atmosphere of shared learning and support.
The Library Commons will provide easy access to a comprehensive range of resources, programming and services that support academic skill development and independent learning. This dynamic new space is designed to transform the student experience. Students will benefit from expanded group study areas and shared learning spaces that provide opportunities to connect with others and access resources. Whether working on a group project, preparing for a presentation or seeking a quiet space for focused study, students will find environments tailored to their diverse needs.
The building’s open and flexible design will allow UIS to leverage technology, streamline student services and explore innovative ways to enhance campus life. As a university committed to innovation, UIS seeks to create spaces that accommodate growth and evolving practices. This space will reflect our ongoing commitment to meet the needs of today’s students—and tomorrow’s.
The Library Commons will also benefit UIS’ online students. While this is a physical space, all the units within the building offer digital services, including electronic resources, user guides and the ability to consult with staff via Zoom. By bringing these units into closer collaboration, the Library Commons will foster more integrated programming that can be delivered both in person and online, helping ensure online learners have access to the same level of support and connection.
At UIS, we serve a community of learners, each with unique goals for success. Our goal is to empower students to become thoughtful problem solvers and leaders. The Library Commons will offer expertise, services and spaces that support students not only on campus but also as active participants in their professional and global communities.
This building represents more than just a physical expansion. It’s a thoughtful investment in our students’ success. By bringing together key services and resources in one convenient, student-focused space, the Library Commons will help make navigating college more connected and supportive.
As I watch construction get underway, I’m reminded of how projects like this can shape the student experience in meaningful ways. The Library Commons adds to the excitement of a new semester, as the campus looks ahead to the opportunities it will soon offer students, faculty and staff to engage, learn and collaborate in a shared space.
Visitors are welcome to stop by and view the progress from the quad or watch the live construction camera on the Library Commons website. We’re proud of what’s ahead, and this is just the beginning.
Pattie Piotrowski is university librarian and dean of library instructional services at the University of Illinois Springfield.