On May 17, the UCSB Library moved into the third phase of the building reopening, expanding study space to more of the 2nd floor, including the Paseo Bridge.
Additionally, we extended evening hours from Sunday-Thursday until 9 p.m. Requested materials can now be picked up anytime the building is open for study. See hours here.
If you’ve been in the building recently, you may have noticed some exciting changes.
What’s New?
More All-Gender Restrooms
There are now 12 all-gender restrooms in the main Library. We previously only had one. Taller and wider urinal dividers have been added for additional privacy in these restrooms. UCSB Library is dedicated to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for everyone.
Paseo Commons
The reference books that were on the first floor across from the Services Desk have been relocated to the second floor in order to make space for our new Paseo Commons seating and study area. We are partnering with Health & Wellness to create a wellness lounge and collection in part of this space.
New Furniture
New booth-style seating has been added to the second floor. There are also more egg chairs in the new Paseo Commons, and we installed three high top tables outside the Mountain Entrance that allow for outdoor study and even feature USB charging stations and LED lights for nighttime.
New Art
If you look up from the West Paseo, you can’t miss the most colorful new addition to the Library - a painting by Jane Gottlieb unveiled in October. The work, titled “Check It Out,” depicts the UCSB Library and has both a futuristic and retro air. The piece measures 14 feet by 15 feet and is composed of eight archival prints on aluminum, assembled to fit snugly together.
What’s Next?
The Library will close for study space reservations from June 12-20. During that time, the pickup and mailing service at the Main Library will be available on Tuesday, June 15 from 1-4 p.m. and Friday, June 18 from 9 a.m. to noon.
During the break, the Music library will continue to offer research appointments and materials pick up. Special Research Collections will not offer research appointments that week.
When the Library reopens on June 21, seat reservations will no longer be required. Visitors will still need to provide a UCSB Access Card to enter the building via the Mountain Entrance as well as a green clearance badge. Face masks must continue to be worn if you are unvaccinated.
Individual rooms for remote instruction and research available to faculty, graduate students, and teaching assistants, as well as the Adaptive Technology Center, will continue to require a reservation. Make a reservation here.
We do not yet have a date for when the full building will be open.
This article last updated 6/24/21 to reflect changes in building policy and guidelines.
