Anyone visiting Sölvegatan 27 on a September day in 2028 will hardly recognize it. Students will be studying on the lawns outside the red brick building. In the bright entrance hall, representatives from Luna and the doctoral students' union will be chatting with the Dean of Undergraduate Studies. In the new science super-library, students will find books and receive guidance from librarians with specialized expertise. A relieved student has just received help from a language tutor to move forward with their thesis writing. In the quiet rooms of the study center, diligent students work in focused silence, while animated discussions take place in the group rooms. Those wrapping up their study sessions can order an espresso from the student-run café and visit an exhibition in the old water tower.
At least, that is Kristina Holmin Verdozzi’s vision. When I meet her on a gray March day, we quickly conclude that we are not quite there—yet. But the project has now kicked off, many pieces are already in motion, and by September 2028, the ribbon will be cut in a grand opening ceremony.
– I want to create a meeting place that strengthens the faculty’s presence along this knowledge corridor. A space that breathes science and belongs to everyone. Now, it’s just a matter of putting this puzzle together, she says.
There are several reasons why the faculty is investing in a study center with a consolidated library in the Astronomy Building. The first catalyst was the astronomers’ move to the Department of Physics, which left the second floor vacant. This coincided with the faculty-wide densification efforts and the subsequent decision to merge the Centre for Environmental and Climate Science, the Department of Geology, and the Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science into the new Department of Environmental and Earth Sciences. A key question was what this restructuring would mean for the Earth Library.
Two ideas emerged: one for a consolidated library and another for the creation of a new study center. After many discussions, the decision has now been made—all four subject libraries will be housed together in the Astronomy Building, alongside the new study center.
– There are several advantages. Library staff will be able to work closely together and provide equal access to high-quality support. There will also be specialists in areas such as research data and bibliometrics gathered in one place. For students, the benefits are clear—a variety of study spaces and group rooms tailored to different needs, says Kristina Holmin Verdozzi.
But there are also challenges, which she does not shy away from.
– With the libraries moving further from the departments, the chance for spontaneous, cross-disciplinary encounters may decrease. In addition, the physical collections will have to be significantly reduced—only about 10–15% of the current collection will fit in the new library.
– However, our studies show that only 10–15% of the book collections are actually in circulation. We will also open local storage in the basement. Any downsizing will be carried out with extreme care, following national guidelines, she explains.
A Three-Stage Transition
The process of creating the new study center and consolidated library will unfold in three stages. First, the Earth Library will move to new premises on the second floor of the Astronomy Building, a transition set to be completed in time for the autumn semester of 2025. At the same time, the Faculty of Science’s administrative office will relocate to the second floor.
The next phase involves the renovation of the first floor, which will continue until the grand opening in autumn 2028. At that point, the Chemistry Library, Physics Library, Biology Library, and Earth Library will reopen on the first floor, together with the new study center.
– We have an enormous task ahead of us. But once we clear the biggest hurdles, things will only get easier. Many of our library staff have strong goals, and most of them are excited about the opportunity to work together in a shared library, says Kristina Holmin Verdozzi.
Moving a library is no small feat—nor is it something one does multiple times in a career. But there’s no need for concern. Kristina Holmin Verdozzi has done this before. In the early 1990s, she was involved in relocating the Botanical Library in the Botanical Garden, a collection with a history spanning over 200 years.
– That was quite an experience, let me tell you. We found everything from red high heels to light beer bottles from the 1970s behind the bookshelves. But in the end, everything worked out just fine, she says with a smile.
As we step outside to take portrait photos in front of the Astronomy Building, Kristina Holmin Verdozzi glances up at the water tower—her “dream project.” She has countless ideas for how the historic structure could be used. Could it host events and lectures? Book clubs? Or perhaps house a collection of scientific dissertations spanning from the 1600s to today, like a modern-day Tower of Babel?
– And then, of course, we need a name that reflects the new identity of the building. It will always be the Astronomy Building, and the rooftop domes will continue to house telescopes for teaching. But we need a new name that everyone can connect with. I’m open to suggestions, she says.
Text and photo: Johan Joelsson, Press Officer, Faculty of Science.