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Building Updates

Illustration by Jeff Bland

Transformational changes in VCU Libraries buildings are on the horizon. In play is an interlocking series of moves and construction projects that will occur 2026-2028. 

  • The Special Collections and Archives Department on both campuses is temporarily closed for staff to prepare thousands of linear feet of materials to move for safekeeping in advance of construction projects. 
  • These projects include replacing the roof for the original James Branch Cabell Library building, and repairing the HVAC system in the newer section of Cabell. The roof and HVAC projects are due to begin in late 2026 or early 2027. Some spaces in Cabell will be temporarily closed or disrupted on a rolling basis. The Lecture Hall may be temporarily unavailable for use.  
  • Due to its planned demolition for a VCU Health System expansion, the Health Sciences Library will move to the Hunton Student Center in 2027.
  • Hunton’s interior space will be redesigned and renovated to serve users as a temporary library by fall semester 2027. The new location will offer an array of services including research assistance, collaborative study space, advanced makerspace technologies, an audio studio, research poster printing services, a small print research collection and a flexible meeting space. 
  • Construction on Cabell’s fourth floor requires that many low-use books and materials move to a new offsite storage facility where they may be requested for pickup at either library or for digital delivery of chapter and article scans. 

Impact on Users

VCU Libraries plans to schedule these projects to minimize impact on patrons’ study and research as much as possible. Noise will be a factor. Free earplugs will be available. 

During this time of transition, access to VCU Libraries’ growing Digital Collections and digital resources will be uninterrupted. Health Sciences librarians will continue providing consultations and teaching sessions. During the collection moves, some circulating materials will be unavailable. Librarians will assist patrons in accessing needed materials through Interlibrary Loan, electronic delivery of materials or other avenues. Special Collections and Archives materials and services will largely be unavailable until the department moves into expanded space in 2028.

Updates

Questions and Contacts

  • Teresa L. Knott regarding the Health Sciences Library and Special Collections and Archives
  • Tammy Sugarman regarding VCU Libraries’ General Collections
  • Jimmy Ghaphery regarding James Branch Cabell building/facilities
  • Sue Robinson for media inquiries or general questions