Milne Library at night (Â鶹´«Ã½ÍÅ¶Ó photo/Matt Burkhartt)
Â鶹´«Ã½ÍÅ¶Ó marked a significant milestone on April 25 with the official grand opening of the newly renovated Milne Library. The $40 million revitalization project, made possible through the State University of New York Construction Fund and financed by the State of New York, reintroduces the iconic building as a state-of-the-art academic hub designed for 21st-century learning, collaboration, and sustainability.
Built in 1966, the Milne Library has long been a central part of the Â鶹´«Ã½ÍÅ¶Ó experience. The renovation modernized the facility while honoring its history, reusing 82 percent of the original wall, floor, and roof assemblies to minimize the project’s carbon footprint.
Campus Sustainability Leader
The library now stands as the first building on campus to eliminate fossil fuel usage, fully electrifying its building systems in alignment with SUNY’s clean energy goals. Additional sustainable features include:
• 38% reduction in water usage, thanks to new plumbing fixtures
• New insulation and roofing materials that improve energy efficiency
• Energy-saving windows that increase natural light and reduce electricity needs
• 12% projected reduction in total energy consumption
Designed with Students in Mind
The reimagined space reflects extensive input from students, faculty, and staff, who collaborated with project leaders to inform everything from outlet placement and furniture selection to study space design. New features include:
• 15 flexible study rooms and team collaboration spaces
• Expanded open seating
• Four classrooms and seminar rooms
• The Writing Learning Center and Teacher Education Resource Center
• Two multipurpose rooms for campus and community events
The Books & Bites Café, situated inside the library’s entrance, keeps students fueled with smoothies, snacks, and lattes in a space designed for improved flow and grab-and-go convenience.
A Legacy of Learning
Milne Library’s roots date back to 1966 when it was first constructed and named after the Milne brothers, both former presidents of the College. Over the decades, Â鶹´«Ã½ÍŶÓ’s library has evolved from modest beginnings in Old Main in 1903 to a student-centered facility that reopened in 2024.
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