UNC Charlotte’s J. Murrey Atkins Library began significant tower renovations in June 2024 to enhance the safety and comfort of students, faculty, staff, alumni, retired employees, researchers and friends of the University. The project, funded by the North Carolina General Assembly, is focused on improving accessibility and fire safety.
The original project scope, with an expected completion date of December 2025, involved replacing small and aging elevators and updating restrooms in the Atkins tower to meet ADA and building code standards. Fire system upgrades are also underway, including improvements to smoke exhaust functionality and the replacement of key safety equipment. Approximately 65–70% of the original work is complete, and the fire/smoke systems are nearly finished. Elevator installation began in September 2025.
During the course of this project, the team discovered that additional work is required to update and modernize the building’s electrical systems, including the installation of backup emergency power. This change will extend the project by seven to eight months.
“While we had hoped to reopen the tower by December 2025, critical required updates mean we will remain closed through summer 2026. We will reopen the tower floors in time for the fall 2026 semester, with upgrades that significantly enhance the safety and reliability of building infrastructure," said Jill Sexton, dean of Atkins Library. “These improvements are essential to ensuring our users have a secure and uninterrupted experience in the years to come.”
Special Collections and University Archives
The 10th-floor reading room and service point are closed. Many materials are in secure storage and are currently unavailable. Research and instruction services for available collections are offered by appointment on the first floor. For questions, contact: spec-coll@charlotte.edu.
Tower Floors Five to 10
Elevators and stairs to floors five through 10 are out of service; these floors are closed. Access remains open for floors Ground through three via elevator and stairs.
Study Space Updates
Quiet study areas in the tower are closed, but seating has been added on floors Ground through three. The west side of the 3rd floor (overlooking the SAC) is now a quiet zone. Silent study is also available:
- Ground floor: Compact Shelving Room
- First floor: Graduate and Silent Study Room
While the tower is closed, you can use other study spaces on campus:
- Cone University Center: M–F 7 a.m.–11 p.m., Sat–Sun 12–11 p.m.
- Popp Martin Student Union: Open seating + Social 704, M–F 7 a.m.–12 a.m., Sat–Sun 9 a.m.–12 a.m.
- Hight Architecture Library (Storrs 2nd floor): M–F 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Questions about the impacts of these renovations can be directed to Ryan Harris, Associate Dean for Public Services, at rharr103@charlotte.edu or 704-687-5892.