Library renovation 2025–2027

Over the past several years, we have gathered input and feedback from students, researchers, and other users. These insights have been central to the planning of the new library. The result will include more group rooms, more study spaces, and environments that support focus, collaboration, and creativity.

The renovation is part of realising the library’s vision : to be an open space where knowledge is shared and ideas grow – through both expected and unexpected encounters. A library that supports both independent study and dialogue, with staff available to provide guidance and support.

We aim to continue being a hub at the heart of campus – a place that strengthens students’, teachers’ and researchers’ ability to find, evaluate, use, and publish scholarly information, for successful studies, leading research, and lifelong learning.

The work will be carried out in stages to allow us to remain open as much as possible throughout the entire period. See more answers to frequently asked questions  at the bottom of this page.

Please note that sketches, collages, and environment images are example illustrations, and the final result may differ

Current renovation activities

• The South-East Gallery has been cleared of furniture and will be completely closed from 15 June until early August.

• The North Gallery will be completely closed from 15 June until early August, including access to the books located there. If you need a book from the North Gallery, place a request for it in Primo. Journals can be requested from library staff.

• Ongoing window renovations  are currently taking place in the library.

• Ongoing work to replace the existing lighting with modern LED technology

• Group room 21 is under renovation.

• The large red sofa (the tiered seating) in the Library Hall will be reupholstered during weeks 23–26. It will instead be covered in a dark plum-purple fabric.

Completed renovation activities

• During the summer of 2025, the classroom Salongen  and the adjacent room Lilla Salongen, as well as the classroom Lavoisier , were renovated. These rooms have received upgraded surfaces (floor sanding, painting of walls and woodwork), replacement of lighting with LED, new blackout curtains, new AV technology, and new furniture. 

• During early autumn, Hjärne  and Rinman  classrooms were renovated. The rooms have received upgraded surfaces (floor sanding, painting of walls and woodwork), replacement of lighting with LED, new AV technology, and new furniture. The new furniture will arrive later.

• During October–November, the library’s information desks were rebuilt.

• Newton and Lallerstedt have received upgraded surfaces (floor sanding, painting of walls and woodwork), replacement of lighting with LED, new AV technology, and new furniture. The new furniture will arrive later.
• All group rooms (except 12, 20, 21) have been fully renovated. New furniture will arrive later.
• Please note that all group rooms have new numbers starting 16 March, as new rooms open. This may be confusing at times, but maps, signage, and library staff will be happy to help you find your way. Thank you for your patience. Read more about the group rooms location from 16 March
• On 29 January, the new study area South Arcade opened its doors. This is a new space located behind group rooms 4–6 in the Library Hall (floor 2, entrance level). South Arcade will feature quiet study spaces and three new group rooms. Read more about the South Arcade

• The printer room on floor 2 (entrance level) has been relocated.

• The Resource room has been relocated.

• The renovated computer room Maxwell opened in the end of February. We are still waiting for new furniture.

• Ångdomen (including the drop-in group rooms A, B and C) reopened after renovation on 11 May. The hall has been renovated with improved AV technology and can now be used for group work when it is not reserved for events. Initially, it will be furnished with older furniture, with new furniture to be added later.

• The Towing Tank (former Arcade Hall) was renovated in February. The area has recieved bookshelves and additional seating. New and renovated furniture will arrive later. The name The Towing Tank aims to highlight the historic use of the area when it was a laboratory for ship building.

  

• The former printer room has been transformed into a room for reading special collections, consultations, and library tours (by appointment only). The room will be named after Hilda Lindstedt, who worked as a librarian at KTH from 1914 to 1946. New furniture and frosted glass will be installed in the end of the summer.

Coming renovation activities

These areas will be renovated during 2025–2027. Details and timelines are not yet finalised, and the rooms/sections will be affected to varying degrees.

• All library computers in North Arcade will be removed from 22 June. They will return week 34. Please use the computers in Maxwell during this period.
• Library Hall will receive partially new furniture and new bookshelves. There will also be several new group study areas with round tables, upgraded lighting, and improved power supply. Large plants will be placed along the walls.

• The South Gallery and the South-East Gallery will be refreshed and fitted with more and better-suited study and group workspaces.
• The Entrance Hall will be adapted to host various activities for KTH’s 200th anniversary. During 2027, several tables will be temporarily removed to make space for the KTH 200 exhibition The World of Tomorrow . New furniture and lighting will be added in the café area.

• During weeks 32–35, all new furniture will be delivered and installed across all areas. This means it may be somewhat messy, and certain study spaces will be temporarily closed at times.
• A new central makerspace will open in the library. The makerspace is run as a parallel project together with Future Education at KTH . Read more about New makerspace in the library
• More details and areas will be affected.

Frequently asked questions

Will the library be closed during the renovation?

We plan to remain open throughout the entire renovation. Certain areas and rooms will be closed temporarily while they are being renovated

Where can I sit if the library is full or certain study spaces are unavailable?

You can find all study spaces available on the KTH Campus on the page Study Spaces and Group Rooms at KTH Campus.

Will there be disruptive noise in the library?

At times, there will inevitably be some construction noise in the library. The construction company will try to carry out the loudest work before the library opens in the morning. It is difficult to say exactly when and in which areas disruptive noise may occur. Noise may be brief and limited to certain areas, or more persistent. If you are very sensitive, we recommend using other study spaces on campus .

Will I be able to borrow books and use the library’s services during the renovation?

You will be able to borrow books throughout the entire period, though some collections will be unavailable during periods. Some other services may be affected; see more details for each stage higher up on this page.

This page will be updated continuously with sketches, and more detailed information as the project progresses. 

Project information

The renovation of KTH Library is managed by KTH’s Property Department, with the Library Council serving as the steering group. Please contact the project leader Sarah Jonsson Norling, sarah@libraprojekt.se  (consultant, KTH Property Department) with any questions or feedback.