Core ALA Annual Preconference: Academic and Research Libraries Tour: Creating Contemporary Spaces in Historic Libraries

CHICAGO—Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures will host the full-day tour “Academic and Research Libraries Tour: Creating Contemporary Spaces in Historic Libraries" on Friday, June 26, 2026, during the 2026 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition in Chicago, IL. 

The libraries on this tour all have strong legacies and rose to the challenge of addressing needs that have evolved since they were built. They range in strategy, with renovations conducted at some to restore historic interiors and detailing, while others built new additions to support the Library. We will view how each of these strategies address modern space needs, technology and accessibility unique to the building’s architecture, the Library’s vision and the institution’s goals.

This tour will be beneficial to library professionals, architects, designers, and anyone with an interest in bringing new life to historic spaces. The libraries on the tour will include examples of historic restoration, adaptive reuse, technology-enabled spaces to support modern instruction and research, and different types of study spaces designed to fit student and visitor needs.

Join colleagues and members of CORE's Buildings College and University Libraries (BCUL) Committee for a tour of these libraries: 
•    Deering Library, Northwestern University
•    Information Commons & Cudahy, Library Loyola University Chicago
•    The Newberry Library

Deering Library, Northwestern University The Charles Deering Memorial Library was designed by James Gamble Rogers and opened its doors in 1933. The adjacent University Library built in 1970 was designed as a modern interpretation of Deering’s architecture. Attendees will hear an overview of Northwestern’s libraries, including the offsite high-density storage facility. This will be followed by a tour of Deering Library, highlighting the building’s history and a recently completed renovation for accessibility upgrades and historic preservation work in the large reading room, including restoration of millwork and lighting. There will also be a visit to the McCormick Library of Special Collections, within Deering Library.

Information Commons and Cudahy Library, Loyola University Chicago Originally built in 1930, Cudahy Memorial Library was expanded in 1969. Attendees will learn about the history of the building, visit a grand reading room, and see some featured collections. Adjacent to the Cudahy Library is the Information Commons, which opened in 2007 with a refresh completed in 2023. Attendees will hear about successes and challenges experienced with a refresh of a building that houses multiple partners, observe newly renovated flooring and furniture, visit studio spaces, and enjoy beautiful views of this glassed-in library on Lake Michigan.

The Newberry Library The Newberry Library is a free non-circulating reference library intended to complement the Chicago Public Library. Originally opened in 1893, the institution recently completed Phase One of a multi-phased masterplan to improve access and visibility of the collections, clarification of wayfinding and circulation, optimization of the building’s exterior to create a more welcoming approach, and the provision of modern and flexible education spaces. Attendees will learn about the Newberry's history & architecture, view the Reading Rooms, and learn more about how visitors utilize the library. A presentation to highlight the Newberry’s collection will also be organized. Two exhibitions will also be on view during the tour: Conceived in Liberty (caricatures and cartoons created in wartime) and an exhibition for America250.

On this tour participants will learn:

1) Be able to compare the approaches of different institutions and apply lessons learned to their own library design, especially related to historic library building improvements, while making them accessible and inclusive for all patrons.

2) Come away with knowledge on creating library spaces for current needs and usage, while respecting architectural heritage from the past.

3) Experience special collections at different Chicago libraries.

Academic and Research Libraries Tour: Creating Contemporary Spaces in Historic Libraries

Registration

Core Member Discount: Early/Advance: $179  |  Standard: $229
ALA Member: Early/Advance: $209  |  Standard: $259
Non-Member: Early/Advance: $229  |  Standard: $279

View the complete schedule of the 2026 Core Annual preconferences, programs, and events.

For questions or comments related to Core continuing education events, please contact Core CE staff at corece@ala.org.

About Core

Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures is the national association that advances the profession of librarians and information providers in central roles of leadership and management, collections and technical services, and technology. Our mission is to cultivate and amplify the collective expertise of library workers in core functions through community building, advocacy, and learning. Core is a division of the American Library Association. Follow us on our Blog, Instagram and LinkedIn.