Construction of the Archives and Special Collections Building (formerly the Undergraduate Library) began this summer. The new building is currently at 15% completion and is expected to open in Fall 2027. It will house the University Library’s renowned University Archives, the Rare Book & Manuscript Library, and the Illinois History and Lincoln Collections.

“We are thrilled to be underway with construction on this ​project,” said Claire Stewart, the Juanita J. and Robert E. Simpson Dean of Libraries and University Librarian. “Our exceptional archives and special collections are heavily used in teaching here at Illinois and by scholars around the world. Currently dispersed across multiple campus locations, these collections—and the talented faculty and staff stewarding them—will finally unite in a single facility offering greater access and stronger security.”

Recently, the installation of a tower crane has allowed for most of the demolished material to be removed from the lower level of the building. Currently, the following work is in progress: elevator excavation on the east side of the building has begun, replacement of deteriorated 1990s waterproofing around the perimeter walls and on the tunnel, finishing demolition of the west pavilion and demolition of the plaza to begin replacement of that waterproofing, beginning to salvage and restoration of courtyard limestone, and continuing mechanical and other demolition. Initial framing of some interior spaces is expected in the early fall semester.

While construction is underway, students are making use of study areas in other libraries across campus, including the:

• Main Library
  • The Orange Room – collaborative/group study with seating for 340; open until 11 p.m. starting this fall.
  • Shebik Family Reading Room – quiet study with seating for 320.
  • Media Commons and other study areas.
• Grainger Engineering Library Information Center – open 24 hours, five days a week, with seating for more than 1,900.
• Funk ACES Library – open until 2 a.m., five days a week, with seating for 350.

Learn more about the Archives and Special Collections Building and follow the construction progress at library.illinois.edu/specialcollectionsbuilding.

At its March 20, 2025, meeting, the University of Illinois Board of Trustees approved the budget and construction contract for the University Library’s Archives and Special Collections building project. Construction will begin in late spring and is expected to be completed in early 2027.

This approval marks the official launch of transforming the former Undergraduate Library into a new home for three special collections units: the University Archives, the Illinois History and Lincoln Collections, and the Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

The project was originally approved in January 2022, but initial construction bids exceeded the project budget. After project scope adjustments were made to support revised cost estimates, a successful bid was secured in May 2024.

“We are thrilled to move forward with this transformational project. These exceptional collections are heavily used in teaching here at Illinois and by scholars from all over the world, and there will now be a dedicated research center to house all of these activities. Strong support from our donor community, students, and university leadership has made this possible,” said Claire Stewart, the Juanita J. and Robert E. Simpson Dean of Libraries and University Librarian.

The Undergraduate Library closed on May 13, 2022, with undergraduate services integrated into the Main Library, Grainger Engineering Library Information Center, Funk ACES Library, and other campus libraries.

The Evans Public Library in Vandalia, Illinois, celebrated its Grand Opening on August 19, 2024. The Library moved to a new building and location.

More than half of the shelving from the former Undergraduate Library building went to the Evans Public Library for their new building. The facility is more than twice the size of the previous location and will allow Evans Public Library to expand its programs and services.

The Evans Public Library received the shelving through a family connection. A former Vandalia resident contacted his father to let him know some shelving was being replaced and asked if the Library could use some in their new building.

“We agreed as it would help us with our limited new furniture budget,” said Library Director Jessica Blain. “We are so thankful that he thought of us. The shelving has worked out great! We ordered wooden end caps that matched our existing shelving.”