Penrose Library Renovations

The Penrose Library Academic Commons project will create an entirely new library in the same location, at the heart of campus. Improvements to Penrose's current location will make it a more inviting and energy efficient library in which students, faculty, and staff can research, study, and learn. The project, which is slated to begin in mid-July 2011, will take 18-24 months to complete. Low-use collections have already been moved out of Penrose Library to the Hampden Center storage facility in anticipation of the renovation. Everything and everyone will be out of the Penrose Library building by July 12 for construction to begin.

During construction, a temporary Penrose Library will be set up at the Driscoll Ballroom in the center of campus. The temporary library will continue to offer the Research Center, the Writing Center, the Math Center, and a computer lab in one convenient location, along with a book pick-up and drop-off location and reserves at the Access Services Desk.

Other services, including Special Collections, the Center for Teaching and Learning, and the Writing Program faculty offices, will relocate to Aspen Hall on campus. The UTS computer help desk will be relocated to the UTS building and the Quick Copy Center will be relocated to the DU Bookstore.

Books and other materials requested online will be delivered to the temporary library at the Driscoll Ballroom from the Hampden Center storage facility. We aim to deliver requested materials within two to four hours using delivery vehicles running in a continuous loop during library hours.

After construction is complete, which the University hopes will be in December 2012, the Hampden Center will continue to permanently house a portion of the library collection. This will include many low-use materials, including most of the bound journal volumes, government publications, microforms and boxed archival collections, as well as low-use books. The library is currently working with the Provost and campus stakeholders to identify those collections that should return to the on-campus library after renovation. These collections are likely to include the most frequently checked out and most recent books (less than 10 years old), as well as those actively used for teaching and scholarship. Any materials stored in the Hampden Center after the new library building is complete will continue to be available for delivery by request.

To keep up with the Penrose Library Academic Commons project, please visit our Academic Commons site. You are also encouraged to submit any questions and feedback to Karen Nozik (karen.nozik@du.edu) or to the Research Center by email, phone, chat(IM), or text. Just click on the “Ask Us!” button found on the library homepage and throughout the Academic Commons website for all the ways to reach the Research Center.

We are dedicated to providing uninterrupted access to library materials and services during the renovation process and appreciate your patience and support.

Nancy Allen
Dean and Director, Penrose Library

(Penrose Library is the main library for the University of Denver)