It may seem like Hillman Library is completely surrounded by fencing, but rest assured, the main entrance to the building via the ramp on Forbes Avenue is open.

The library will remain open throughout construction on the final phase of the multi-year renovation project, which is expected to last through late 2024. But the sidewalks on the Schenley Drive side of the building and along much of the Forbes Avenue side are closed. Pedestrian detour signs are in place. The bus stop at the corner remains open.

Renovations at Hillman Library will continue through 2024 to upgrade the ground floor, including a Media Lab “blackbox” light and sound-controlled audio and video production suite of spaces; a centrally located help and information desk; and a Pitt IT/ULS Computer Lab. The bathrooms and elevators in the building’s core are being redone, and a new atrium entrance is planned at the corner of Forbes Avenue and Schenley Drive.

Temporary walls and barriers are already up in multiple spots in the library, including on the second and third floor corners closest to the Cathedral. The main stairwell and the front half of the center hallway are closed. The elevators are still operating and can be accessed from the other half of the center hallway. The west stairwell, on the side of the building closest to Lawrence Hall, is open, as are the bathrooms.

The barriers and areas closed will change as the project progresses. Library officials urge people to pay attention to signage throughout the library.

But even though the construction work might be loud at times — pick up some free earplugs as you enter — the library will begin operating during its regular fall semester hours on Aug. 27, except for some changes during holidays. Hillman Library will be open 24 hours a day, Mondays through Thursdays; midnight to 10 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to midnight Sundays.

For complete library hours, visit library.pitt.edu. For more information about renovations at Hillman, visit the Hillman reinvention page.

— Susan Jones

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