During the expansion portion of our construction project, a new building was added which increased the library’s total size to nearly 266,000 gross square feet. That’s a lot of space! With this comes many exciting improvements, including an events space with adjacent exhibit area, a new data Visualization and Analysis Lab, an enhanced and enlarged makerspace, recording studio and virtual reality space, a new home (and research room!) for the collections of the Center for Southeast North Carolina Archives and History, and more!

Together, the two library buildings make up the collective UNCW Library entity. This includes the new Discovery Hall expansion and the renovated, original Randall Hall, which continues to honor the legacy of former UNCW President William Madison Randall.  

We invite you to come explore! Check out our new spaces, fall back in love with your favorite spots in the renovated Randall Hall, and travel back in time with the inaugural exhibit in Discovery Hall: a history of the university’s library. This exhibit showcases items from the Center for Southeast North Carolina Archives and History (CSENCAH) from 1947 to the present day, highlighting the history and evolution of the library at UNCW.

To celebrate our reopening and welcome you back, join us at these signature events:

• Starting with the first day of class, the 30 Days of Discovery signature series includes numerous opportunities for in-depth exploration of the different spaces and services available for you in the new UNCW Library. Peruse the month-long list of tours, open houses, workshops, demonstrations and contests (with prizes) and mark your calendars! Keep checking back as more is added. 
• In partnership with our colleagues in Advancement, we invite you to attend the official grand reopening at the UNCW Library Ribbon Cutting Ceremony! Scheduled for September 25 at 4 p.m. The event will be tented and located on the front lawn. Refreshments will be provided, with a program of event speakers lasting no more than an hour. To aid with event planning, please submit your intention to attend (UNCW login required). 

Welcome back to the UNCW Library!