David K. Hill Family Library Renovation
Renewed library encourages students to gather, connect, and create at the heart of Harper College
Harper College’s library, built in 1968, had not been renovated in over 20 years. It was dark, cluttered, and difficult to navigate. The renewed 107,000-square-foot David K. Hill Family Library welcomes students to a spacious, light-filled hub at the center of campus. It’s a place to interact, explore, connect, create, study, get academic support, or simply enjoy the views.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Designed as a “third place” (besides home and the classroom) that is casual, friendly, inviting, and less structured for Harper students
- Lower shelves and glass walls distribute daylight and keep views open
- Diverse seating options support group work and individual study
- Group study rooms and “makerspaces” (e.g., The Make Shop, recording studio) encourage interaction and content creation
- Atrium/grand stair draws students into library, unites three stories, and functions as activity hub
- Redesigned façade brings in more daylight, displays library activity at night