The New Library Commons

We’re raising funds for the new Library Commons, set to open in 2027. As we prepare for this transformational move, flexible support is essential. It allows us to respond quickly to the real needs of students, faculty, and collections as we finalize room functions, workflows, and services. With your help, we can direct resources exactly where they’ll make the greatest impact—right when those needs arise.

Nearly every UIS student connects with the library at some point in their academic journey—whether for individual consultation, group study, research, connection, or simply finding a quiet space to focus. The new Library Commons will deepen that support for both on-campus and online learners. Your gift ensures we’re ready to welcome the entire campus community and support our students from the first day of operations in the new building.

During any major transition, unexpected needs emerge. Flexible funding helps us remove small but meaningful obstacles that can affect student success. When students discover what they need most, we want to be able to meet that moment—creating a seamless, welcoming experience for every learner.

Your gift makes an immediate difference. Even small contributions help prepare the new library and create a warm, supportive environment for students:

• $5 keeps study spaces inviting with essentials like paper, cardstock, whiteboard markers, and magnetic labels.
• $25 Stocks whiteboard kits, signage supplies, book covers, or those sneaky little calculator batteries that die when least expected. Also, small wellness boosts — puzzles, coloring pages, sticker mosaics, or prizes earned participating in library events.
• $50 Helps students find their way with clear signs and organizational tools so the new library stays easy to navigate, and community events are easy to find.
• $100 to $500 Keeps us stocked and loaded on supplies and equipment, such as calculators, allows us to explore new technology, such as scanners, and powers student-focused programs, such as Pop into the Library popcorn days, Finals Week Cereal Bar, outreach events like Don’t Ghost Your Projects, and well-being activities like Plant a Study Buddy.

Together, these gifts add up — helping us build a warm, welcoming, well-supplied library where students can focus, relax, connect, and thrive the moment we open the doors in 2027. We are grateful for the contribution you make to the lives of our students and campus community!