The Campbell Library is undergoing phase two of renovation, to enhance the 30-year-old building. The library opened in 1995 and is scheduled to complete the renovation by Spring 2026. 

Alexis Breining is the Director of Planning & Design Services for the Campbell Library renovation project. Something that was surprising for her was how the team was able to complete Phase 1 without any issues. 

“When you work in construction, you learn to hope for the best but be prepared for the worst,” said Breining. “I am surprised about how smooth everything is going. Phase 1 was completed without many hiccups, on schedule and budget. Rowan’s IRT department had a big chunk of work to compete as they continued to upgrade fiber throughout campus. They were able to upgrade the library during Phase 1, also, without many hiccups, on schedule and budget. If Phase 2 goes just as well it will be amazing.” 

But Breining says the renovation also has its problems too.

“One of the biggest challenges to date would be completing the 4th floor first and having to coordinate the building being open to some and not all,” said Breining. “It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of the students and help them navigate safely around the building without stumbling into the middle of a construction site.”

Having new ways of accessing things from the Campbell Library is something Director of the Campbell Library Elliot Brandow is ready for through “Rowan Reads.”

“While most of the physical Campbell Library is currently under renovation, we provide more than study spaces for students,” said Brandow.“We also provide electronic collections – a wonderful collection of electronic books, electronic journals, and databases. We provide print titles for serendipitous browsing, including a new print collection we are building thanks to direct student input, which we’re calling Rowan Reads.”

Brandow stated that the Campbell Library wants to “reflect the evolving needs of Rowan” through the renovation. 

“We are imagining student-curated exhibits and events, faculty and visiting speaker talks, and lots of in-person programming,” said Brandow. “A return of our quiet study space and group collaboration rooms, yes, but also lots of new uses of the space in partnership with students.”

For live updates of the Campbell Library renovation, please visit: https://libguides.rowan.edu/reno/services

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