Library's lobby is now cozier and more reader-friendly

This summer, the library lobby underwent a renovation. As a result, there are more comfortable seating areas were created on the first floor, and the entire area was made more functional and user-centered. A long-needed building plan was also added to the wall in front of the cloakroom.

"We are very happy that students have quickly embraced the new armchairs, which offer more privacy than before," said library director Jaanika Anderson. "The entire lobby feels refreshed – whereas it used to be rather stark, the carpets, chairs, and lamps in pastel tones now create a much cozier atmosphere." Along with the expansion of the seating area, the information point has also been updated and is now located on the left side of the lobby in front of the cloakroom.

Two screens were added next to the main staircases, one of which serves as a traditional advertising channel for library and university events, while the other displays information about events taking place in the conference center. "The use of our conference hall and seminar rooms has increased year by year," said Lilian Mengel, UT Library's cultural environment manager. "It is often quite challenging for first-time visitors to find the correct room, but with the help of the screens providing directional information, this should now be remarkably easier." In addition to the screens, necessary signs and directing markers were installed on the doors and walls of the library.

The project for the lobby and the library’s signage system was developed by the design agency Velvet. The renovations made this summer are the first stage of improving the library's interior design, with plans to standardize the signage system on all floors in the coming years.