New Library & Learning Commons

Work is underway to design and construct a new Library and Learning Commons for the University of Galway. This will be an inspirational, welcoming, high-tech space of learning and creativity. It will be a space that brings diverse people and disciplines together, enabling interaction, discovery, innovation and new partnerships. It will be a vibrant scholarly and social space. Viewproject updates from JJ Rhatigan Building Contractors.

Building Works Commence

Work has begun on Library and Learning Commons as Minister Lawless broke ground on the site in May 2025.

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Enabling works nearly complete

Enabling works are nearing completion on the riverside site of the new Library and Learning Commons building.

Read news post

A Library, Reimagined

Monica Crump, University Librarian explores this radically different library of the future.

Read Cois Coiribe article

Photos and Videos

View digital building mockups, models, and aerial videos of the site.

See photos and videos

Spaces

New and exciting technology enabled spaces will feature in the new building.

See spaces

The heart of the campus

Join us on our journey as we develop your new Library and Learning Commons. We're building a space that inspires scholarship, creativity and interaction, a place for learning, collaboration and contemplation. We are now a step closer to realising this vision.

Our foundation

The original library was located in the Quadrangle, which comprised the totality of the university back in the 1800s, so the Library was right at the heart of the university. By the early 1970s, the University had grown and when the James Hardiman Library opened in 1973, it was at the new heart of the campus. Over the last twenty years the University has grown yet again with new buildings opening in the North Campus, so the centre of the campus has shifted once again and it is entirely appropriate that the location for the new Library and Learning Commons is at the new heart of campus. Ní amháin Leabharlann ach Lárlann!

Projects such as the new Library and Learning Commons are made possible, in part, through the generous philanthropic support of alumni, individuals, companies, foundations and community partners.

To learn more about how you or your company can support this project, please contact Nicola Rees, Associate Director of Development at (085) 766 1193 or nicola.rees@universityofgalway.ie.

Building Project Timeline

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Library

The Library proactively supports and enhances the learning, teaching, and research activities of the University. The Library acts as a catalyst for your success as University of Galway’s hub for scholarly information discovery, sharing, and publication.

Co-Funded by the Irish Government and the EU