The highly anticipated new entrance to the Oscar A. Silverman Library is now open, offering students, faculty, and visitors easier access to the libraries’ extensive services and resources. Located on the second floor of Capen Hall on the academic spine, this new gateway promises to greatly enhance the library experience.
The journey to this dedicated entrance began with the renovation of Silverman Library’s third floor in 2016. The revitalization of the library was a key part of the first phase of UB’s Heart of the Campus initiative, a multi-phase project focused on transforming the central campus into a more vibrant, student-centered environment.
Silverman Library’s new entrance features a floor-to-ceiling glass entry, bringing natural light into the library, an expanded vestibule, additional seating, and a new library services and information desk. This layout, designed to streamline entry and provide immediate assistance to visitors, will enhance the overall user experience.
Vice Provost for University Libraries, Evviva Weinraub Lajoie, expressed her excitement about the new entrance, saying, “We are delighted to unveil this new entrance, which beautifully integrates Silverman Library into the larger Heart of the Campus initiative. This is a major step forward in enhancing the student experience, improving wayfinding, and making it easier than ever for visitors to access our libraries and services. We’re excited to see how these improvements will benefit our entire campus community, and we warmly invite everyone to explore all that Silverman Library has to offer.”
In preparation for this new entryway, the second floor of Silverman Library underwent a transformation over the past year, which included fresh paint in contemporary hues, new coordinating carpeting, and modern furniture—all contributing to a sleek and forward-looking atmosphere. The aesthetic improvements complement the functionality of the entryway, making it a welcoming space for everyone.
Conveniently located on the 2nd floor in Capen Hall, the new entrance is expected to welcome even more visitors, inviting many to discover—or rediscover—all that the library has to offer. This prime location aims to integrate the library more seamlessly into the daily routines of campus life, encouraging more frequent and spontaneous visits.
Equally important, the entrance complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access the library with ease. This commitment to inclusivity reflects the university’s broader mission to create an accessible and welcoming environment for all members of the campus community.
Welcome everyone!