In 2024, St. John Fisher University will begin work on a multimillion-dollar library modernization and renovation project, the largest capital project both in scope and investment in the institution’s history. The University plans for the project to be complete by summer 2025.
Lavery Library opened in 1975 and is named for Fisher’s longest-serving president Rev. Charles J. Lavery, CSB. It has served generations of Fisher students for close to 50 years.
Following a 2021 comprehensive study of the library space and services by the planning firm Brightspot, Fisher partnered with HOLT Architects, an Ithaca-based firm with expertise in the higher education vertical, whose design was guided by Brightspot’s findings.
The design includes bright spaces focused on student success including:
Be sure to view the project timeline and check back for progress updates throughout the renovation.
Contractor Selection
Lavery Library closed after Finals, library services move temporarily to Lavery Under the Steeple in Kearney Hall
Demolition is underway. View a project update from January 2024.
Interior demolition and exterior work.
See progress from a birds-eye view and the inside.
Construction crews are busy. View the progress and the latest project update from August 2024.
Lavery Library interior is taking shape with painted walls and light fixtures. View more progress.
Interior finishing work begins. View the recent changes inside and outside the building.
Progress continues. View updates as we count shelves and organize furniture.
Doors open for students
You can find us at Lavery Under the Steeple in Kearney Hall, Room K050.
K050 is on the ground floor of Kearney Hall, near the Office of Information Technology (OIT) Service Desk. You can enter through the accessible entrance near Wegmans School of Pharmacy or use any of the entrances to Kearney and take the elevator or stairs to the ground floor.
Lavery Under the SteepleThe library will maintain regular hours during the renovation. View hours.
Library services will be based in Lavery Under the Steeple in Kearney Hall, ground floor. You can visit us for:
Visit Lavery Library’s services page to learn about all the services we will provide throughout the renovation.
Yes, Fisher students, faculty, and staff can still borrow books during the renovation.
You can browse a small part of Lavery Library's collections at Lavery Under the Steeple in Kearney Hall, ground floor. To access the rest of our circulating collection you can use our Request for Pickup option when searching our Big Red Box.
Equipment, such as wireless chargers and iPad accessories, remain available at the Checkout Desk.
Yes. Course reserve items, including those professors request be placed on reserve for a course and other popular course texts, remain available at Lavery Under the Steeple in Kearney Hall, ground floor.
Faculty with questions regarding course reserve materials or film viewings can contact the Checkout Desk at libaccess@sjf.edu or (585) 385-8165. Visit Lavery Library's Faculty Support page for more information about course reserves.
View the temporary locations for Fisher's librarians and staff.
Who's My Librarian? Browse the subject list to find and contact your librarian.
Yes. At Lavery Under the Steeple, you will find:
Yes, we will have a room in Lavery Under the Steeple just for quiet study. You can find the quiet study room in K054.
Other spots on campus that are prime for studying include:
We will not have small study rooms in the temporary location available during the renovation.
Here are some other options for study space:
We look forward to offering you many study rooms after the renovation!
Due to very limited space, we are unable to offer visitors access to computers or browsable access to most of our collections.
If you are an alumnus looking to use library spaces during our renovation, we recommend calling ahead to determine seating availability or planning your visit for academic breaks. We also recommend other spaces on campus, like the newly renovated Tepas Commons, where you can still access library databases on the guest Wi-Fi.
Questions? Contact the Checkout Desk: (585) 385-8165 or libaccess@sjf.edu.
“ This is a historic project for the University, one that reimagines an iconic campus building and expands its purpose to provide current and future students with coordinated services and resources. The transformation of the physical space will mirror the supportive culture already established in the Fisher educational experience. ”
“ The transition has been challenging, but it’s exciting to be part of this change. I’m grateful to experience both the old and the new library, it makes me even more excited for what’s to come. ”
