The Learning Commons is getting a refresh! With input from students and donor support, we’re updating furniture and layouts to create a more comfortable, flexible, productive, and collaborative space. Expect a fresh new look by Fall 2025!

What’s Special about Valley Library’s Learning Commons?

The Valley Library Learning Commons is a hub for collaborative work, though it offers spaces suitable for folks who prefer to work by themselves near the company of others. 

A Hub for Useful Resources

The Learning Commons is home to scanners, printers, and desktop computers. These resources are conveniently located near the Borrowing & Information Desk, where you can request assistance.

• The new LC will be flexible and modern to support current and future Beavs
• Current furniture is seventeen years old, heavily used, and outdated 
• Student voices have guided this project through: surveys, interviews, and observations 
• Sustainability: old furniture will be reused, rehomed, resold or responsibly recycled. New
• furniture will be durable and adaptable 
• This project is primarily donor-funded

This project has been underway for quite some time between gathering data, input, and making informed decisions about the future of the Learning Commons. Most students will not experience any interruption to their use of the Learning Commons since preparation of the space will take place between June 16th and early September, meaning that you can expect a refreshed Learning Commons when you return for fall term 2025!

Changes to Service and Building Hours

• June 16 – 22: Valley Library closed 
• July – early September: Learning Commons closed for updates, alternative service and study locations will be available throughout the library
• Fall Term 2025: The refreshed Learning Commons will be open and ready to use!

Why refresh the Learning Commons?

It’s one of the most-used study spaces in the library. The furniture is nearly the age of an incoming freshman! Current and future Beavs deserve better. Even if you don’t use other floors of the library, you have undoubtedly benefited from access to the LC’s scanners, printers, and group study areas. 

Where does the funding for the project come from?

• The majority of funding for the new furniture came from the Friends of the Library fund. This represents small donations from hundreds of OSU library supporters. It’s donors like you that make this library better. If you’d like to be part of this mission, consider becoming a Friend of the Library by donating to further the work of OSU Libraries and Press. 
• The project was also supported by the Delpha and Donald Campbell library fund and the McEdward funds. 

Who has been involved in the project? 

Students, student employees, faculty and staff from the library as well as experts in furniture, design, and project management. Student voices are at the heart of this project, with surveys, anecdotes, and testimonials guiding many of the major decisions. 

What is Happening to the Old Furniture?

Some furniture in the current Learning Commons will be getting reupholstered or retouched so that the same pieces can be used in the future within the Learning Commons. Mt. Hood Community College will be taking some future for use in their library. Other furniture will be rehomed through OSU Surplus/the OSUsed Store, and any remaining furniture will be responsibly recycled or disposed.

Share your feedback about the Learning Commons Refresh with us! If you submit a response here, we can make sure that it’s read by Library Admin and/or the Learning Commons committee. Your voice matters.