Countway 2023 (L1) Renovation

Rendering of Countway Library L1 Renovation showing a hallway with rooms behind glass walls on both sides. One side showcases a conference room and the other has lounge chairs and more informal seating.

Please pardon our appearance and increased noise level during construction! Free earplugs are available at the Info Desk and in the Russell Reading Room.

We are very excited to announce that renovations have begun on the Lower Level 1 (L1) floor at Countway Library! This renovation will expand our study and seating areas, offer new classroom space, incorporate new technology and innovative learning features, and provide space for countless new programs and initiatives at the library.

Construction will begin in early 2023, and we look forward to sharing information about the renovation as it progresses throughout the winter and spring. Stay tuned on the 2023 L1 Renovation News page and keep an eye on our Countway Communiqué Newsletter for exciting updates.

Any questions about the renovation can be directed to Luciana Witowski.

2023 Renovation FAQs

Countway 2019-2021 Renovation

The renovation of the first and second floors has allowed Countway Library to engage and align users to its mission of service, education, and research by capitalizing on the strengths of its space, staff and collections. It is Countway's responsibility to share its rich resources with Harvard’s Medical and Dental Schools, and the T.H. Chan School of Public Health, as well as the entire Longwood Medical area. Countway now has quiet spaces for individual study, active spaces for programming and special events, and gathering spaces for collaboration and socialization. For example, the Countway Connection Café, Coop, Community Garden, and open area seating provide opportunities for our users to reconnect with one another. Countway is a social connector, and is in the position to rebuild these social bonds through its shared spaces and programming. The library evidently shows its positive impact on the community as it continues to average over 800 turnstile swipes per day.

Libraries are no longer just brick and mortar buildings to house collections. Medical libraries can and do play an important role in improving the health and well-being of their community on their campuses. As part of the evolution of Countway Library, we have a renewed focus on community well-being as well as serving as a resource for research and learning. There are many activities the newly-renovated Countway Library has to offer our students, faculty and staff. Countway now has dedicated spaces, resources and community-building programming. We welcome the entire campus community to join us in our new spaces as we expand library programming through the lens of social connection.

Countway Renovation
Countway Reimagined
Introducing the newly renovated Countway

With new spaces for learning, research, collaboration, and social connection, the renovated Countway Library brings the Longwood community together. Click through to see some of the library's brand new features.

Countway Renovation
695 Huntington Avenue
Part of the community

Countway now has a brand new entrance on Huntington Avenue! The renovation created new seating areas and more accessible routes to and from the library, including a bridge to the entrance and an ADA accessible ramp leading to the rest of campus.

Countway Renovation
Countway Connection Café
Now open!

The Countway Connection Café inside the Huntington Avenue atrium serves Illy coffee drinks as well as grab-and-go lunch items and snacks. The café is staffed from 9am-4pm Monday-Friday, and a self-service checkout system is available for after-hours purchases.

Countway Renovation
Harvard Coop
Now open!

The new Harvard Coop location inside the Huntington Avenue atrium offers merchandise from all three Longwood Campus schools: HMS, HSDM, and Harvard Chan. The Coop is open 10am-5pm Monday-Friday.

Countway Renovation
Russell Reading Room
Quiet study space

The new Russell Reading Room has plentiful seating for dedicated quiet study space, as well as study rooms available for individual and group studying.

Countway Renovation
Active Study Floor
Collaborative spaces

The first floor of Countway is now available for collaborative activities including group studying, art marking, and pet therapy!

Countway Renovation
Makerspace & Digital Learning
Fostering Innovation

This innovative and collaborative space on the first floor houses an Anatomage Table as well as a 3D Printer and workspace! Consultations are available to help orient new users to the machines.

Learn more about the makerspace
Countway Renovation
Reservable Classrooms
Special event space

Two brand new classroom spaces are available for workshops or events. These rooms can also be combined into one for larger programs. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer great lighting and views of the Community Garden.

Learn more about reservable classrooms
Countway Renovation
New Book Lockers
Grab & go

Countway's new book locker system allows you to easily access your reserved materials onsite. The book lockers are located one floor below the lobby and accessible via stairs and an elevator.

Learn more about book lockers
Countway Renovation
Self Checkout
Also available as an app!

There are now two self checkout stations at Countway: one on L1 and one on the 2nd floor in the Russell Reading Room. Patrons also have the option of using a mobile app to check out books while at the library! You can find it by searching "Harvard Library Checkout" in your app store.

Learn more about self checkout

2021 Renovation FAQs