Legat Architects
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Not Your Parents’ Library

For many years, academic libraries emphasized collection size and individual study. Harper College’s renovated library takes a different path: diverse seating options support both teamwork and individual study.

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Learning Link

When students enter from the campus quad, they experience an atrium/grand stair called the “learning link.” This activity hub unites the three stories, draws students into the library, and even has seating bays at the stair landing extensions.

Comfortable, Colorful, Flexible – Watch Video

See before and after photos and find out what staff have to say about the renovated library.

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“This was one of the most complicated projects this college has ever known, and it was brought in three months ahead of schedule.”

Academic Support Center

The Academic Support Center on the first floor unites the Writing Center, Tutoring Center, and Success Services in a highly visible location. Previously, the programs were tucked away on the third floor.

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No More Barriers

Before renovation, the library, with its tall shelves and many walls, had a closed-off feel. Now, it’s much like a mall. Students can see everything around them . . . especially on the second floor—glass walls provide transparency and promote access, plus bookshelf height lowered from seven feet to four feet.

“Our new library is designed to improve the student experience by providing space that reflects new ways of engaging with and using information.”

William Rainey Harper Room

A multipurpose room on the second floor transforms from casual seating area into event, meeting, lecture, or gallery space. Its large glass walls keep it visually connected to the library.

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“It’s comfortable, it’s flexible, it’s colorful. It creates a happy mood.”

The Academy

The third-floor Academy for Teaching Excellence Focuses on faculty enrichment. The move from the first floor encourages staff to interact with students before arriving at the Academy.

A Redefined Façade

The renovation extends the window plane to create more area for the two library floors and avoid a building addition. The project also replaces all glazing to give the building a new look. A random window pattern represents books on a shelf.

“People who remember the old building and see this are hard-pressed to believe it’s the same building.”

The Third Place

Library staff challenged the design team to think about the library as a “third place” for students (behind home and the classroom) that is neutral, accessible, accommodating, and playful . . . a home away from home. The renewed library offers many places to congregate, from glass-enclosed study spaces and smaller gathering areas to the lounge-like area behind the main circulation desk.

Playful

Designers wanted to create a lively setting that captures Harper’s new image. For instance, a sign in the main circulation area identifies “The Desk,” while a smaller, third-floor desk is labeled “The Other Desk.” Bright yellow carpeting, furnishings, and wall features identify areas of activity.

“It makes working up here a joy.”

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Nest

One longtime staffer used the word “nest” to describe her positive feelings about the library. This inspired the design team to specify Kirei Board, a nest-like panel of reclaimed sorghum straw that appears throughout the facility. The material also gives a nod to Harper’s mascot: a hawk.

Sustainable

Renovations are designed to meet LEED Silver certification with the U.S. Green Building Council. Sustainable achievements range from energy-efficient mechanical systems and low-flow plumbing fixtures to recycled materials and high-performance glass. The library is also the first all-LED lighted building on Harper’s campus.

Before

Before renovations, the 50-year-old Harper College Library had a dark, cavernous feel. Moreover, seating was limited and student support spaces on the third floor were hard to find.

“We had trouble not long ago getting students into the library; now it’s a busy place every day.”

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