Balancing Past and Future:

Inside the University of Virginia’s Renovated Shannon Library

In the spring of 2024, the University of Virginia (UVA) held the grand reopening of its main library following a transformative, four-year renovation and expansion. The newly named Edgar Shannon Library—honoring the University’s fourth president—now blends modern amenities with historic features, serving as an accessible hub for students, faculty, and the community. 

A Modern Space for Today’s Scholars

The library’s reimagined interior and new 130,000 square-foot, five-story expansion incorporate abundant natural light and the creative repurposing of the underutilized regions. Previously open-air courtyards have been transformed into indoor study areas with UV-protected skylights, creating bright, year-round spaces for students and visitors. “In the past, there was tension between designing the library for books and designing the library for people,” Kit Meyer, Facilities Management’s project director for the library renovation, said. “Now, we can do both.” This shift enhances quiet study spaces while fostering dynamic areas for collaboration. 

“In the past, there was tension between designing the library for books and designing the library for people,” Kit Meyer, Facilities Management’s project director for the library renovation, said. “Now, we can do both.”

[UVA Facilities, “UVA’s Main Library Reopens “‘https://uvafm.exposure.co/alderman-library-reopens]

Balancing Tradition and Modernity

The modern renovation also preserved much of UVA’s history. The first chapter began when the Rotunda, UVA’s first Library designed by Thomas Jefferson, was constructed as the focus of campus, a notable departure from the customary practice of centering universities around religious buildings.

Throughout the library, original elements from the Rotunda, including bronze radiator grates and iron guardrails, have been preserved and repurposed in the renovation, anchoring the library’s connection to UVA’s past. In addition, the new renovation has significantly expanded the library’s space, with seating capacity nearly doubling to more than 1,400 seats, including individual study carrels, communal tables, and lounge chairs in the special collections rooms.

Throughout the renovation, UVA architect Brian Hogg and lead designer Aric Lasher of HBRA Architects worked closely with the design engineers and craftspeople of Thos. Moser to create a lasting and historically resonant impression when furnishing the space. Utilizing sustainably harvested North American hardwoods for the project, the library chose maple for the study carrels, tables, and custom bookshelves. To increase durability, the table tops and study carrels were finished with Marmoleum tops surrounded by a solid maple frame. The design team at Thos. Moser flawlessly incorporated wire and data management into the underside of each table and integrated touch-release ports on the table tops.

For the seating, UVA wanted to maintain the historic gravitas of the space. In keeping with the traditional Windsor chairs present in the original library, the university was drawn to the spindle chairs of Thos. Moser. For the new courtyard study areas, they selected the Thos. Moser Continuous Arm Chairs, and over 500 walnut and ash Newport Chairs accompany the large study tables and individual study carrels. The library also incorporated custom Eastward Benches.

“We are a public library and a community space,” Elyse Girard-executive director of communications and user experience, says. “People think of us as only supporting faculty and students, but anyone can come in and use the library, and we encourage that.”

[UVA Facilities, “UVA’s Main Library Reopens”‘https://uvafm.exposure.co/alderman-library-reopens]

Elevating the Library Experience

While the renovation blends old-world character by preserving several historic elements, it modernizes several spaces with contemporary comforts. The new Stanley and Lucie Weinstein Buddhist and Asian Studies library is a prime example of this elegant and modern redesign. Furnished with Thos. Moser Fahmida Lounge Chairs are made of walnut and black leather, and the special collections library provides a serene and inviting environment for research and reflection. Custom reading tables paired with NYPL Branch Chairs further enhance the room’s elegant aesthetic while providing durability that will last for generations of UVA scholars.

The Stanley and Lucie Weinstein Buddhist and Asian Studies Library features the Fahmida Lounge Chair and NYPL Branch Chair.

The reopening of UVA’s Shannon Library ushers in a new era by seamlessly merging historical preservation with cutting-edge design. The library serves as a reflection of UVA’s academic heritage and a dynamic hub for the community, scholars, and leaders of tomorrow.

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