An inside look at living, studying and working at Cal Poly.

Inside Cal Poly

Original Source: Mustang News



Reporter: RJ Pollock 



Date: September 12, 2025



Link: <a href="https://mustangnews.net/kennedy-library-reopens-2025/">https://mustangnews.net/kennedy-library-reopens-2025/</a>



Cal Poly’s Robert E. Kennedy Library is nearing the end of its two-year, $78 million transformation that will reopen the campus hub for fall quarter 2025.



When the library doors open on Sept. 15, students will find more seating options, new study zones and upgraded technology throughout the building. Expanded 24-hour hubs on the first and second floors will provide around-the-clock access, while new ground-floor classrooms and a Julian’s Cafe add both academic and social spaces.&nbsp;



The major renovations include all-gender restrooms, seismic upgrades and climate control improvements, along with new accessibility features such as updated elevator infrastructure, added ramps and a redesigned floor plan to make it easier to move through the building.

Entrance of Robert E. Kennedy Library with a colorful floral mural painted beside the sliding glass doors on the concrete exterior.

Cal Poly Kennedy Library returns after completion of two-year transformation

Original Source: The Tribune 



Reporter: Angel Corzo



Date:  September 16, 2025



Link: <a href="https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/education/cal-poly-university/article312096768.html">https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/education/cal-poly-university/article312096768.html</a>



The long-awaited return of the Robert E. Kennedy Library at Cal Poly has finally come, as doors opened just in time for the new school year.



After two years of renovations in the concrete brutalist structure, the nearly $80 million project is now available for students to use once again for studying and checking out books, as well as experience a handful of the newly reimagined amenities and spaces within the library.

Cal Poly library reopens after nearly $80 million renovation. See inside

The Kennedy Library transformation is in the homestretch with plans to reopen on Monday, Sept. 15. 



Students, faculty and staff can expect some great additions and renovations.&nbsp;



The newly transformed library will strengthen Learn by Doing with more study spaces and classroom seats, an expanded Hub24 and two new seminar spaces where the library and its in-house partners can actively engage students, faculty and the Cal Poly community.



It will also be the home to the Digital Scholarship Studio on the first floor. Designed to support work across disciplines, the Digital Scholarship Studio will support students through the entire research and creative process with the help of digital tools and informational resources.&nbsp;



There students can get help with their research at the Research Help Desk, collaborate with digital tools and data visualization at computer workstations and the Studio Space, and meet with librarians or specialists in fishbowl meeting rooms.&nbsp;



The library will also enrich connections with a new main stair and entry experience, streamlined service points, expanded Julian&#8217;s Cafe, and a reimagined courtyard.&nbsp;&nbsp;



A crucial part of the renovation has been optimizing building performance. To do so, the library is installing new heating and cooling systems, increasing energy efficiency, improving safety systems, glazing throughout, and creating new ADA-compliant, all-gender restrooms.&nbsp;



Lastly, the library will showcase and celebrate the Cal Poly community in a new exhibition area.&nbsp;More information on that to come.



To learn more about the highly anticipated project, visit the <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/facilities/planning-capital-projects/project-news/kennedy-library/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kennedy Library Renovation web page</a>.&nbsp;

Construction workers wearing safety vests and hard hats walk through a newly renovated courtyard surrounded by multi-story concrete and glass buildings, with landscaping and young trees planted throughout the space.

Cal Poly’s Kennedy Library On Time to Reopen This Fall 

The Kennedy Library Transformation is fully underway and Fall Quarter has brought in a lot of changes. Here’s a rundown of everything that’s new.



Lockers



The Cal Poly community can now request books and other library materials to be placed in the Library Pickup Lockers, providing access to library resources during the transformation. This includes physical items from Kennedy Library’s circulating collections and items eligible for request in <a href="https://csu-calpoly.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=01CALS_PSU:01CALS_PSU&amp;lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OneSearch</a> supplied through the Interlibrary Loan program.



Requested materials will be placed in lockers located in the Dexter Plaza next to the main entrance to Dexter (Bldg. 34) for pick up. Users have seven days to pick items up from the lockers.



Waitz App



While looking for a place to study this quarter, you can now track occupancy and study area hours with the Waitz App. The app allows users to check real-time occupancy of the C7 and H11 Study Structures alongside the Sierra Madre study spaces. It will soon expand other study locations throughout the quarter. Waitz is available for free from the <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/facilities/planning-capital-projects/project-news/kennedy-library/temporary-locations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple App Store and Google Play.</a>



Town Hall



The Kennedy Library Transformation team is inviting students, faculty, staff and supporters to a town hall on Tuesday, Oct. 24. This panel discussion with project leaders will provide an opportunity for attendees to ask questions learn more about the project, its progress and future plans.



During the Q&amp;A panelists will answer questions submitted prior to the event as well as those asked in person. Other topics will include the project scope and student resources available throughout construction. The town hall will be held in UU 220 (Bldg. 65) from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. You can submit questions <a href="https://bit.ly/KLTTownHallQs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here.</a>



Mustang Shuttle Stops



Mustang Shuttle services are still available during the transformation! Shuttle stops have been added to help serve students using the H11 and C7 Temporary Study Structures. The stops include the Erhart Agriculture (Bldg. 10) and O’Neill Green in front of the Business Building (Bldg. 3). To learn more about stops, click <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/parking/safetyprograms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here.</a>



Printing Locations If you need any printing done during the transformation, you can find Cal Poly Print and Copy inside the Crandall Gym (Bldg. 60). Additional print needs can be addressed through&nbsp;Mustang Prints&nbsp;self-service printing kiosks are available throughout campus.

Kennedy Library Milestones and What’s to Come

Kennedy Library, a mainstay on campus since 1980, is receiving a makeover. The scheduled transformation includes updating major systems for a more comfortable, accessible and energy-efficient space to meet, study and work. When the project is complete, library users will return to a refreshed and welcoming space with new flooring, painting, acoustical ceilings, signage, an expanded café on the first level, and a courtyard with more convenient access to flexible classroom spaces.



The main priority throughout construction is to minimize disruption of services and continue to provide programs to the campus community.



While the renovation is underway, students, faculty and staff will still have access to the essential resources they need. Facilities Management and Development (FMD) in conjunction with campus leadership, colleges, and auxiliaries are working to identify additional study spaces which will include classrooms and collaborative spaces.



One such location, a temporary structure for studying, will be built in the <a href="https://maps.calpoly.edu/@35.3011427,-120.6658989,16.9z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">C7 parking lot</a> located near the library. A second temporary student study structure is in progress, with the location to be announced soon. The Chandler and San Luis lounges in the University Union will also operate as an available student study space.



Services including Interlibrary Loan pick-up, course reserves, the digital projects lab, the research help desk and Cal Poly Print and Copy will be available during the project in building 60, the recently renovated <a href="https://maps.calpoly.edu/place/bldg-060-0/@35.2996124,-120.6639661,16.9z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crandall Gym</a>.



All library administration as well as the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology and faculty and staff offices will be housed in <a href="https://maps.calpoly.edu/place/bldg-115-0/@35.2985012,-120.6630176,16.9z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building 115,</a> Chase Hall.



The Writing and Learning Initiatives Office and Special Collections and Archives services will be located in <a href="https://maps.calpoly.edu/place/bldg-026-0/@35.3000721,-120.6631264,16.6z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building 26</a>, the Graphic Arts building. In addition, General Collections operational support will be housed in Cal Poly Corporation Warehouse, <a href="https://maps.calpoly.edu/place/bldg-082-0/@35.3050798,-120.6703816,15.8z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building 82</a>. Special Collections storage will be located in <a href="https://maps.calpoly.edu/place/bldg-034-0/@35.3010560,-120.6645800,16.5z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building 34</a>, Dexter.



Tools will be made available to the campus community to make it easy to find all these resources. These tools are currently being developed and will be announced soon.



For more information on the upcoming renovation, visit the Facilities Management and Development <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/facilities/planning-capital-projects/project-news/kennedy-library/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">project page.</a>



Library Services and Academic Innovations and Programs are partnering with Facilities Management and Development on the renovations. Miller Hull Partnership and Hensel Phelps have been hired as the architecture firm and project contractor for the state-funded $77 million project.



The project is currently in its design phase and the renovation is expected to begin this summer and will be completed in the fall of 2025. Throughout the renovation the university is required to close the building to comply with safety protocols.



Questions regarding the project can be directed to Jill Baxter, the FMD customer service manager at jibaxter@calpoly.edu.

Tag: Kennedy Library

Cal Poly Kennedy Library returns after completion of two-year transformation

Cal Poly library reopens after nearly $80 million renovation. See inside

Cal Poly’s Kennedy Library On Time to Reopen This Fall

Kennedy Library Milestones and What’s to Come

Alternative Study and Collaboration Spaces During Library Renovation Shared