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

• During the week of 16–20 February, the lamps are being renovated in the Open stacks. The stack will remain open, but will probably not be suitable as a study environment.
• The Arcade Hall will be closed for renovation 9 February – beginning of March. The area will receive refreshed furniture, bookshelves, and additional seating. Arcade Hall will also change name to The Towing Tank, to highlight the historic use of the area when it was a laboratory for ship building.

• Please note that all group rooms will be renumbered as new rooms open. We will update this page as soon as we know when the renumbering is taking place. 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.
• Group room 11, 12, 13 (in the Arcade Hall) is closed for renovation.
• The computer room Maxwell is closed for renovation on 17 November and is planned to open in February.
• Ångdomen will close for renovation in 12 January 2026 (including drop in group rooms 17, 18, 19). Ångdomen will be renovated with new furniture and improved AV technology, and will be used for group work when not booked for events. Planned opening is at the end of April.

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.
• Group rooms 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 14 have been fully renovated. New furniture will arrive later. Please note that group room 2 has become a passage to the South Arcade, and group room 3 is now number 2, while group room 4 is now number 3.
• On 29 Januari, the new study area South Arcade opened its doors. This is a new space located behind group rooms 0–4 in the Library Hall (floor 2, entrance level). South Arcade will feature quiet study spaces and three new group rooms. The rooms will not be bookable in the beginning. Read more about the South Arcade

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

• The Resource room has been relocated.

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.

• The old printer room will be transformed into a space for reading special collections, individual consultations, and library tours (booked visits only).
• 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.

• 5 new bookable group rooms, maybe more as the plans are progressing. 
• 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.
• 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?

Map over campus and number of study spaces

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 manager Kathrin Alw, kalw@kth.se  (Property Department) with any questions or feedback.