Middleton Library is getting plowed. New library on the way

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LSU has begun construction on a new library. The project marks the next phase in the university’s master plan — a series of planning efforts designed to accommodate the physical growth of campus for the next 20 years.

The library is set to be completed by fall 2029 and will be located on the corner of South Stadium Drive and Field House Drive.

According to the Executive Director of Planning, Design and Construction, Paul Favaloro, planning for the library began several years ago, with design starting in late 2023.

When developers built the current library in 1958, they placed it in the middle of the LSU Quad because, at the time, the location was at the center of campus. However, now that LSU’s campus has expanded to the South, the current library is no longer at the center of campus.

The new library is closer to the middle of campus, putting it in closer alignment with the master plan.

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“The library that’s here now was built in 1958, and it’s an obsolete building with a lot of deferred maintenance,” he said. “This is an opportunity to reposition our new library and modernize it to better support our mission.”

The new building is set to be 198,000 square feet and three stories. It will be able to hold approximately 2,400 student study seats and will include two general-use classrooms.

“LSU currently has study seats for about 5% of students versus peer averages of 14%,” Favaloro said. “The goal is to provide a modern library, strategically located, sized and equipped to better support our university’s mission as we evolve in teaching, learning and research.”

LSU is spending $154 million to complete the building. Funding was provided through private and state funds. The LSU Foundation is currently pursuing a $35 million fundraising goal to help with funding.

Due to upcoming construction, Favaloro projected an increase in activity near South Stadium Drive and Fieldhouse Drive. Forestry Lane C will be unavailable for parking during this time. The electrical engineering lot will be designated for C parking to compensate for the construction.

“There will be increased activity on campus, as with any project of this size, but efforts to minimize disturbances are being proactively planned,” Favaloro said.

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