A year after the Kennedy Library opened its doors after its $78 million renovation, American Libraries Magazine featured it in the 2026 Library Design Showcase.
The annual showcase from the American Library Association features new, renovated and restored libraries that have responded to the needs of their community. For the Kennedy Library, the community need was study spaces for students.
“The renovation increases study space across all five floors, with a range of more active collaborative areas on the lower floors to quieter individual study among the collections above,” wrote Danielle Buttacavoli, principal at The Miller Hull Partnership, in an email to Mustang News.
The showcased libraries demonstrated a commitment to sustainability while preserving history and cultural identity.
“National recognition from the American Library Association and the American Institute of Architects underscores that Kennedy Library is not only a beautiful facility, but also a flexible, welcoming environment that supports the Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing ethos now and into the future,” University Spokesperson Keegan Koberl wrote in an email to Mustang News.
The renovation reduced the building’s energy use by 30% while keeping elements of its 1980 design, according to the Cal Poly press release. It also increased study and collaborative spaces for students, including expanding the first- and second-floor 24-hour study spaces and adding classrooms.
“The consolidated collections, movable furniture and multi-use teaching and gathering spaces allow for spaces to be reconfigured as programs evolve,” Buttacavoli wrote in an email to Mustang News.
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“I like the design of [the library],” said Emi Yamada-Heidner, a kinesiology sophomore. “It has a lot of windows, so it feels really open so you don’t feel claustrophobic.”
Before the library reopened, Jonathan Moll, an electrical engineering senior, had to do group projects in public areas, which he said did not make for ideal study environments.
“[The renovation] really did wonders for being able to study and being able to communicate with other people,” Moll said.
Some students felt that the changes were not that noticeable.
“I feel like the only differences were the seating and the stairs,” said Jolie Lam, a nutrition senior.
An issue that students mentioned was the lack of working outlets near the tables. Tables in the middle of the floor do not have easy access to outlets, making longer study sessions difficult, according to students.
“My computer dies in 30 minutes. If I’m working anywhere that’s not against a wall, I have to study for 30 minutes and go plug it in,” Moll said.
“The only outlets that work are on the walls, where there’s empty space,” said Annabelle Akers, an English junior.
Even with the outlets not meeting expectations, the 24-hour floors have seen a lot of use.
“I really appreciated, from the beginning of when it opened to finals last year, being able to be here at midnight or 1 a.m., having that spot really changed my mind,” Moll said.
The library is still popular for studying, with many students reporting being more productive at the library than elsewhere.
“I feel like because everyone is in the same flow, same mindset, like everyone is doing work right now, it just motivates you to keep doing your work,” Akers said.