Peek inside University of Richmond’s library transformation and the new home of the Weinstein Learning Center
UNIVERSITY NEWS
The campus completes its exciting renovation of the Boatwright Memorial Library and unveils the WLC, which brings together the university's specialized learning resources under one roof for the first time.
This week, the University of Richmond is celebrating the completion of a multiyear transformation of Boatwright Memorial Library. It includes the unveiling of the new Carole and Marcus Weinstein Learning Center and the reopening of the library’s fully renovated first and second floors for the start of the academic year. Classes for the fall 2026 semester began Monday.
The project marks the culmination of a comprehensive renovation that began in 2023 and has reimagined the University’s library as a destination for learning, research, collaboration, and community for today’s students.
“Boatwright Memorial Library’s renovations reflect our commitment to creating spaces where our entire community can learn, collaborate, and thrive,” Joan Saab, executive vice president and provost, said just before the opening. “I’m excited to welcome our students, staff, and faculty into this beautiful space.”
Among the project’s highlights are:
- New collaborative study spaces and flexible learning environments, including some spaces that are open 24/7 for students.
- The new physical location for the Weinstein Learning Center, a collaborative, state-of-the-art academic support hub that brings together the university’s specialized learning resources under one roof for the first time.
- Renovated spaces for Rare Books & Special Collections, the Book Arts Studio, and the Lora Robins Gallery.
- Reconfigured outdoor terraces with enhanced views of Westhampton Lake.
- Modernized building systems, including HVAC, lighting, restrooms, and accessibility improvements.
- A relocated and expanded café on the ground level.
“Libraries have always been places of discovery, but the ways students discover, create, and learn continue to evolve,” said Kevin Butterfield, university librarian. “This transformation honors the library’s enduring purpose while creating flexible, welcoming spaces that inspire curiosity, collaboration, and academic success.”
Located on the library’s first floor, the Weinstein Learning Center offers ways for students to engage even more deeply with the university’s robust curricular and co-curricular offerings through academic coaching, content-specific tutoring, and access to dedicated studios, experts, and professionally certified peer educators. These peer educators are available to help students hone writing, quantitative, technology, language, and speech skills.
“The WLC is now located in a purpose-built environment designed to foster collaborative learning and student success,” said Marco A. Ortiz, the WLC’s executive director. “By bringing personalized academic support into one welcoming location, we are making it easier for students to access the resources they need.”
The renovations modernized building infrastructure with new heating, ventilation, lighting, and fire protection and refreshed finishes and furnishings throughout the first and second floors. The project also included significant restoration of the library’s exterior, replacing aging roofing and windows, reconstructing portions of the original masonry, and improving access to the building with a new entrance on the north side.
“This significant renovation, including our new home for the Weinstein Learning Center, demonstrates the university’s profound commitment to our students,” said Kevin F. Hallock, UR’s president. “I am thrilled that they will have enhanced access to our collections, technology-rich environments, inviting study areas, and unparalleled resources for collaboration and academic support, and I am profoundly grateful to everyone who has made this all possible.”