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Summer 2026 Bender Library Renovation

The first floor of Bender Library is undergoing renovation during Summer 2026 to better support the evolving needs of our community. The redesigned space will offer greater flexibility and accessibility, creating an inviting environment for individual and group study, active learning, collaboration, and connection.

We appreciate your patience as we complete these improvements. This page will be updated regularly with project milestones, progress photos, and information about temporary service and building access changes.
View Information about Access and Service Changes

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Overview

Why We Are Renovating

The Summer 2026 renovation project will:

  • Improve first floor accessibility
  • Modernize service and study spaces
  • Create a more flexible and welcoming environment for learning, collaboration, and community

Project Scope

The project includes:

  • New carpeting throughout the first floor
  • New furniture and updated space layouts
  • Improvements to instructional spaces and classrooms

Project Timeline

June 2026

  • Project planning finalized
  • Existing furniture removed

July 2026

  • Construction begins and major renovation work takes place
  • Temporary building access changes begin
  • Circulation and Information service desks relocated to lower level of Bender Library
  • 24/7 access suspended July 1–Aug. 7

August 2026

  • Construction completed
  • New furniture installed
  • Normal services and building hours restored

Timeline is subject to change based on construction progress.

Building Access & Service Changes

Important Notice

During construction, some Library services and spaces will be temporarily unavailable or relocated.

Temporary Service Relocations

The following service points will temporarily be relocated within the building:

  1. The Circulation Desk will be located on the Lower Level of the Library.
  2. Information Desk will be available during business hours near the entrance of the GRC (on the right as you enter).

Temporary Service Interruptions

The following services may experience interruptions during portions of the project:

  • Lockers. First floor lockers will be unavailable throughout the renovation. Access to second and third floor lockers may be limited during parts of the renovation.
  • 24/7 Access.The Library will suspend 24/7 access between July 1st and August 7th.
  • Collection Access Delays.Some physical collections may be temporarily unavailable or require additional retrieval times. Please contact circulation@american.edu with any questions about accessing collections.
  • Book Returns. The exterior book return at the main entrance of Bender Library is expected to remain available throughout the renovation.
  • Study Room Reservations. Room 150, Collaborative Workrooms 1-5, and the DRI Lab will be unavailable during the construction. Lower-Level collaborative workrooms will remain available.

Please check this page regularly for the latest updates.

Accessing the Library During Construction

Library services will remain available through a temporary entrance and modified traffic routes. Visitors should:

  1. Follow posted signage upon arrival.
  2. Use the designated temporary entrance located at the School of International Service.
  3. Visit the Information Desk for assistance, which will be temporarily located in the GRC.
  4. Allow extra time when visiting the building.

Download Maps to Lower Level (PDF)

24/7 Access Suspended

Please note that 24/7 library access will be suspended for the duration of the renovation project.

Building access will be limited to posted operating hours while construction is underway. Updates regarding the restoration of 24/7 access will be shared as the project nears completion.

View Library Hours

Project Progress Photos

June 2026

 
 
 
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Acknowledgments

This renovation project would not have been possible without the leadership and partnership of Edna Pate-Cloutier and Gabby Li.

We also thank our patrons, faculty, staff, and campus community for their patience and continued support throughout the renovation.

Stay Informed

Project updates will be posted on this page throughout the summer.

Questions

If you have questions about library services, collections, or building access during the renovation, please contact:

Phone: 202-885-3232

Email: circulation@american.edu We welcome your questions and are happy to assist with planning your visit during construction.