Library refurbishment this Summer
Posted on Sunday 17 May 2026
The new entrance area will be more accessible, with improved study spaces, inclusive toilet facilities, and clearer signage.
Key dates for the Morrell Refurbishment
The major building work will start from 5 June 2026, and it is anticipated this will be complete in Autumn later in the year.
Getting in and out of the library
For much of the refurbishment we’ll set up alternative routes in and out of the library. The main entrance will remain usable initially, and when we need to close this we’ll clearly signpost the alternatives.
The contractors will try to minimise disruption and noise, and we don’t anticipate having to close the library during this work - it will remain open 8am - midnight, seven days a week as usual, during this time (with the exception of the first two days, which overlap with our 24/7 opening for the exam period).
Accessing the Help Desk
Both the current Library Reception and Help Desk will eventually move as part of this work. During the refurbishment a Help Desk and Reception of some sort will continue to be available, and we’ll clearly signpost where you can go to get help and ask questions.
Accessing our Flexible Loan books
All our books on Floors 1, 2 and 3 of the Morrell (and those in the Fairhurst and Burton) will be accessible as normal during the refurbishment.
Accessing books in the Compact Stores
The materials we keep in Compact Stores 1 and 2 on Floor 0 will not be accessible in the usual way, however. During Phase 1 of the refurbishment (from 5 June until late July) there will be no access to Compact Stores for students and staff. We will be running a daily retrieval service from Monday to Friday where we can fetch items you've asked for. Request will be made via YorSearch, and this is being finalised now.
After Phase 1 is complete, any Library user will be welcome to use the Compact stores at any point during our opening hours, and you will need to get in touch with the Help desk during service hours for us to add access to your University card. We'll make more details of this available later on.
Accessing Lockers
The Morrell Library lockers will be out of service for around 6 weeks, and the Amazon Lockers outside the building will move - we don’t yet know exactly when.
Car parking
From 1 June 2026 a site compound will be established on car park 3.1 (Campus North) with the temporary closure of around 20 bays.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about this refurbishment please get in touch with us via email, Chat, or in person: