The Library is at the heart of CERN and plays a key role in supporting scientific research in the Organization. It offers a range of services, including a quiet space to study and think. Since its conception in the 1950s, the use of its space has changed dramatically, and the time has come for a makeover to meet the requirements of a modern library in terms of furniture quality and ergonomics and to address environmental and safety concerns.

To achieve these goals, the CERN Library is going to be renovated soon. Work will start in autumn 2022 and is due to end one year later. This makeover is the final stage of a long process, including an in-depth reflection, surveys and stakeholders’ interviews to get feedback on the use of Library premises and services and to learn about readers’ expectations.

You can find the guiding style of some areas of the renovated Library in the pictures below, as designed by the architecture firm Bisset Adams, which worked closely with the Site and Civil Engineering department and in accordance with the requirements of the Scientific Information service.

Library collections and the Bookshop will remain accessible during the renovation work. Practical information on the organisation of library services as well as regular updates about the progress of the work will follow in the coming months.

In recognition of the crucial importance of library services for scientific research, measures will be taken to minimise any inconvenience caused by the renovation.

If you have any feedback or questions, please contact us at library.desk@cern.ch.