Refurbishments and Renovations at Baker-Berry Library

February 06, 2026

Anvi Kalyana '27, Diya Patel '27, and Pallavi Ghanta '27 study in Reiss Hall

Reimagining Existing Spaces as Vibrant and Accessible Places

Each week, Baker-Berry Library averages 27,150 visits for everything from studying to socializing, meeting a library staff member, or going to class. To ensure these well-loved spaces continue to meet community needs, we’re partnering with various Dartmouth organizations and departments to make upgrades that complement and amplify student mental health initiatives and provide more welcoming environments. One such project is the revitalization of Baker Library’s Reiss Hall and 1902 Room, both 24/7 accessible spaces and heavily used throughout the term. Funded by Dartmouth, the project will result in thoughtful transformations that balance historical charm with contemporary, sustainable design updates.

We are reimagining our library spaces to inspire students to study, relax, and thrive. Every decision is guided by our commitment to make these environments more welcoming, inclusive, and optimally suited to the well-being of the Dartmouth community.

Jennifer Taxman, Associate Dean of Libraries for Academic Engagement & Operations Strategies

We’re thrilled the Bruner/Cott team returns as the architect and design firm to lead the refurbishments. As a long-time Dartmouth capital works project collaborator, they’re experts in breathing new life into historic spaces, as seen with their renovations of Baker Tower in 2016. Their team visited Baker Library in late 2025 to 3D scan Reiss Hall and the 1902 Room ahead of providing design concepts. The refurbishment and redesign work will happen throughout 2026 in partnership with Dartmouth Project Management Services.

Alongside this year’s large-scale refurbishments in Baker Library, we have reimagined, and continue to reimagine, existing spaces across our libraries as vibrant and accessible places with our partners. Read on to discover what and how.

New Furniture for 24/7 Study Spaces

Last summer, we modernized the furnishings in the Dr. Seuss Room just off Reiss Hall and outside the Tower Room to help make your work and study experience more comfortable. In the Seuss Room, where once there were a few armchairs and coffee tables, now you can take a break from your screens to gaze out of the window from the bar-style seating that faces College Street. On the west side of Baker Library, before you enter the Tower Room, you’ll now find bench-style seating, extra chairs, and large tables to co-study or spread out with your research resources. Both spaces nod to the natural colors of the Upper Valley region, bringing the outdoors in with shades of green, red, and brown.

Treadmills on First Floor Berry (FFB)

I have been wanting walking treadmills in the library for so long, and I’m so happy that I get to move my body while studying!

Talia Proshan '28

Did you know that gentle movement, like walking 1–2 mph, can reduce anxiety and boost cognitive performance? It does! In summer 2025, Dartmouth Student Government partnered with us to install walking treadmills on the north end of the first floor of Berry Library. Their purpose is to enhance wellness by encouraging light physical activity while you read or study. For Tobias Jehn, '28, the treadmills are “fun and a great way to nurture the body and mind connection in a social space.” Their introduction follows survey results showing 65% of students expressed interest in more creative and accessible ways to stay active while studying. Have you used them yet?

If you are a regular visitor to the third and fourth floors of Berry Library, you may notice a simple, yet effective, change. Thanks to another collaboration with Dartmouth Student Government, there are now sunlamps installed at every previously unlit third-floor Berry Library cubicle and on all communal tables throughout both floors. A bonus during these northeastern winters, sunlamps can boost feel-good brain chemicals and help reset sleep-wake cycles. If you want one while you work or study in Dartmouth’s West End, head to Feldberg Library, where they’ve been offering sunlamps since 2022. You can also borrow sunlamps from the Berry Library main information desk, the Student Wellness Center, or Dick’s House.

Two Additional Quiet Reflection Nooks

I [want] to thank everyone at the library for taking student feedback into account and installing extra prayer spaces! I really appreciate it, and it has genuinely made such a positive difference in my studying at the library. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

a Dartmouth '27

Following a successful collaboration with the William Jewett Tucker Center in 2024 to pilot a Meditation, Prayer, and Reflection Nook on the north side of Baker Stacks 5, we received community feedback requesting more like it. You can now choose from three nooks across Baker Stacks 4, 5, and 6. They’re open to anyone who wants to use them for silent reflection, meditation, or prayer.

In 2024, we began working with Dartmouth Student Government, including current senior class president James (JJ) Dega ‘26, to swap traditional cleaning products with more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives. Partnering with Dartmouth Facilities Operations & Management’s custodial team, those changes rolled out at the Libraries last year. Building on the initiative, Dartmouth FO&M has adopted this approach in other areas. We're excited this initiative will grow as new, healthier options become available.

Find out more about the 2026 Baker Library Bruner/Cott project.