Skip to Main Content

Fourth Floor Renovations

Renovations Messaging

This page contains all communications sent to staff, faculty, and students regarding the fourth-floor renovations. It includes the initial announcement, any updates, and information shared through other communication channels.

Renovation Announcement Sent to Students

Sent 1/21/25

Dear Students,

We hope your semester is off to a great start! Seeing you return to the library to work and access resources reminds us of Gumberg’s importance to your experience here.

That’s why we’re thrilled to share that the University will be making improvements in Gumberg Library, starting during the 2025 spring break! Renovations will begin on the fourth floor and are expected to last through the summer. These upgrades are designed with you in mind, as we continue our commitment to enhancing your experience at the library.

Renovations will:

  • upgrade the popular fourth-floor open study area with new carpet, lighting, paint, and ceiling;
  • add a variety of flexible seating options for the various ways you like to study;
  • add new storage and display options for the Library of Things, making this unique collection of useful things more visible and available for you;
  • upgrade the front doors and front desk to make your library more dynamic and welcoming and to make it easier to interact with the staff;
  • install a self-serve Grab & Go for convenient nourishment and refreshment; and
  • relocate and upgrade the Curriculum Center, making it more visible and usable for students and faculty.

As we prepare for the upcoming renovations, we assure you: all library services will remain available throughout the renovation. While the fourth floor of the library will be closed and some services may relocate or shift online during the renovation period, we will maintain your access to essential resources.

During renovations, the library’s main entrance will be temporarily relocated to the Brottier Commons Wellbeing Center entrance on the southwest corner of the building, where Health Services is located.

You can stay up to date on building changes and renovation progress on Gumberg’s Building and Services page. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to ask@duq.libanswers.com.

We can’t wait to unveil these exciting improvements to the library. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to providing you with an improved library experience!

Happy New Year!

Sara Baron, Dean of Libraries, and the Gumberg Library Team

Renovation Announcement via Academic Insights

Sent 1/21/25

Dear Faculty,

We are excited to announce that Gumberg Library will undergo significant renovations starting during the 2025 spring break, with work expected to continue through the summer. These improvements are part of our ongoing commitment to providing a dynamic and welcoming environment for both students and faculty.

Renovations will:

  • upgrade the popular fourth-floor open study area with new carpet, lighting, paint, and ceiling;
  • add a variety of flexible seating options for the various study needs of our students;
  • add new storage and display options for the Library of Things, making this unique collection of useful things more visible and available for students;
  • relocate and upgrade the Curriculum Center, making it more visible and usable for students and faculty.
  • upgrade the front doors and front desk to make the library more dynamic and welcoming and to make it easier to interact with the staff; and
  • install a self-serve Grab & Go for convenient nourishment and refreshment.

As we prepare for the upcoming renovations, we assure you: all library services will remain available throughout the renovation. While the fourth floor of the library will be closed and some services may relocate or shift online during the renovation period, we will maintain your access to essential resources.

During renovations, the library’s main entrance will be temporarily relocated to the Brottier Commons Wellbeing Center entrance on the southwest corner of the building, where Health Services is located.

You can stay up to date on building changes and renovation progress on Gumberg’s Building and Services page. As the renovations begin, please encourage your students to visit that page as well so that they stay informed. If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to ask@duq.libanswers.com.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period of transformation and look forward to providing you with an enhanced library experience.

Best regards,

Dr. Sara Baron, Dean of Libraries, and the Gumberg Library Team


 

The Duke's Renovation Story

Social Media Post

Posted 3/4/25

We hope you're making the most of your spring break, Dukes!

Just a quick reminder: as you enjoy some well-deserved rest, exciting renovations are underway on the fourth floor of Gumberg Library to enhance the space even further.

In the meantime, please note that the library’s main entrance and 4th floor are closed. For now, use the Wellbeing Center door to access the library.

We appreciate your understanding and wish you a relaxing and enjoyable break!

📸: @duquesneuniversity

Outside of the Wellbeing Center located in Gumberg Library

Academic Insights Update

Sent 7/14/25

Renovations Underway at Gumberg Library

Gumberg Library is excited to share the latest updates on the ongoing renovations of the fourth floor. The project remains on schedule, with substantial completion expected by August 15.

Significant progress has been made. In addition to new lighting, flooring, and spaces for employees and service points, the HVAC has been upgraded and a new ceiling will soon be installed. This upcoming week marks a major milestone for the Maureen P. Sullivan Curriculum Center. In addition to being relocated to the 4th floor, ongoing work includes painting, flooring, and shelving installation. Looking ahead, a major furniture delivery scheduled for July 28 will supply new flexible seating and study spaces for the large open study area, bringing the project even closer to completion. More updates will be shared as the project progresses.