Renovation News

Northern Michigan University’s Olson Library is excited to announce that it will reopen to the public in its newly renovated space in Harden Hall on Monday, January 12. The reopening follows a two year renovation. The renovation aims to provide an upgraded and modernized library space for students, faculty, staff, and the community.

Please note the following dates and information as the Library staff begins moving back into Harden.

Pedestrian access to Harden Hall from Jamrich Hall will be available through the connecting vestibule however the academic mall entrance will remain unavailable. 

Patrons that may need accessible entrances can use either the Tracey Street entrance, or The Science Building tunnel. If you require further accessibility assistance, please contact public safety by calling 906-227-2151.

The vestibule is scheduled to close on May 12, with construction continuing throughout the summer. The area is expected to reopen on August 11, ahead of the fall semester.

During this period, pedestrian access to Harden Hall from Jamrich Hall and the academic mall will be unavailable. Individuals wishing to access Harden Hall must use either the entrance from Tracy Avenue or the tunnel connecting the Science Building to Harden Hall.

Building Entrances

• From Tracy Avenue (east entrance) and parking lot 11, enter Harden Hall directly on the first floor. The sidewalk from the parking lot is ADA accessible.
• From The Science Building (TSB), follow the tunnel under the construction zone to Harden Hall.

The closure of the Jamrich/Harden Vestibule is temporary, but is necessary to prepare for exterior demolition of the side of the building that faces the academic mall. This vestibule will reopen on Friday, July 26th. 


 

Access to the lower level of Harden Hall between July 11 through July 26th are as follows:

With the safety abatement phase successfully completed, the project has now transitioned into the interior demolition stage. The latest development unveils the demolition of the building's interior, notably showcasing the transformation underway in the old Dean's Suite on the northern side of the library.

Relocation Details:

On December 16, 2023, the library closed its doors at Harden Hall, initiating the relocation process to Gries Hall. This move involves significant shifts in work spaces, study areas, and service locations:

The basement and first floors of Harden, containing the Archives, tutoring offices, Fieras, Broadcast & AV, Technology Support Services, etc. will remain open during the renovation. Facilities will contact the offices remaining in Harden with additional information. Facilities will also provide ongoing updates regarding changes due to construction.

Library services will be disrupted during the upcoming semester break so that we can move to Gries Hall.