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��������Ƶ celebrated the official grand opening of the fully renovated Glenn G. Bartle Library’s third floor on April 8. The $38.7 million project, funded by the SUNY Construction Fund, introduces new spaces such as a learning commons, digital scholarship center, data studio and a MakerLab with 3D printing. The 45,000-square-foot space also includes 190,000 books on space-saving collapsible shelves.

The goal of the Bartle Library third-floor renovation is to allow visitors to discover new knowledge through collaboration and technology. With the help of library faculty, staff and cutting-edge resources, visitors can be comfortable to explore new skills throughout the floor.

“The library is a special place on our campus.” University President Harvey Stenger said. “It’s the place where our students put in the work and tie together all of the things that we hope they gain from a Binghamton education. This new third floor is going to help them do that better and I hope that this space serves to remind our graduates of what they are capable of for many years to come.”

The event featured guests from the University community and surrounding area. Formal remarks were provided by Stenger, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Donald Hall, Dean of Libraries Andrea Falcone, University Council Representative Mackenzie Cooper and Binghamton Student Association President McKenzie Skrastins. At the conclusion of the ceremony, a 3D-printed chain from the MakerLab was broken to mark the official opening of the third floor. Guests then attended a reception among the books and explored all the features of the library space.

“I strongly believe that in order for us to do right by our Binghamton students, faculty and staff, the Libraries need to continue pushing the envelope on elevating our collections, services and spaces,” Falcone said. “This beautiful space shows our commitment to facilitating exemplary student learning experiences, infusing technology into our core services and spaces as well as future-proofing the library.”

The third floor not only provides a variety of individual and collaborative spaces, but features spaces like the Digital Scholarship Center, which supports the exploration and integration of technology with research. The new MakerLab serves as an accessible entry point to explore new technologies and features, as well as knowledgeable staff and 3D prototyping, fabrication, and scanning equipment.

“People in our parents’ generation thought that libraries would become ancient history, that they were only used for books,” Cooper said. “What Binghamton is doing is reinventing and reimagining what a library should be.”

Another highlight is the Data Studio, which, alongside a recording studio, includes computer workstations for processing and visualizing data alongside library experts.

“As a student researcher, I was blown away by the interactive displays showcasing research happening across Binghamton,” Skrastins said. “As an aspiring statistician, I fell in love with the Data Studio, where computers are equipped with professional grid software like SaaS.”

The project was funded by the SUNY Construction Fund, an initiative that works to improve critical infrastructure, supporting innovative, new educational programs throughout the SUNY system.

“These long-awaited updates to the Bartle Library will provide students with an innovative learning environment, in keeping with Binghamton’s status as a top public college,” Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said in a provided statement. “A well-funded SUNY Construction Fund is always a priority of mine, so that projects like this can be completed. I’d like to thank ��������Ƶ for investing in improvements to the library, a place that is vital to student success.”

While there are new resources and new furnishings included in the renovation, the effects of the transformed space will continue to be far-reaching.

“As a member of the Senate’s Higher Education Committee, I’m excited to see how the newly renovated Glenn G. Bartle Library third floor will empower students, faculty and future generations of thinkers,” State Sen. Lea Webb said in a provided statement. “This transformation is not just about bricks and mortar — it’s about creating a space where knowledge, innovation and community will continue to thrive. ��������Ƶ has always been a place of academic excellence, and the impact of this library will be felt for years to come.”

The third floor of Bartle Library is now officially open for students to explore their academic curiosities.

“What I find most inspiring about the third floor of Bartle is its ability to bring students together,” Skrastins said. “When my friends and I need to find a place to lock in, this is the first place we think of. It’s a space that encourages curiosity, productivity and community. That’s what makes it truly special.”

Bartle Library is open to the public 8 a.m.-2 a.m. Monday through Wednesdays, 8 a.m.-midnight Thursdays, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m.-midnight Sundays. For a full schedule of hours for all ��������Ƶ branch locations, visit /libraries/about/hours/