UC Riverside’s Orbach Science Library reopened its third floor to the campus on Monday, March 9, following the completion of extensive improvements including the replacement of a leaky roof.

That level had been closed for more than two years due to leaks that caused water to seep through ceiling tiles. In fall 2024, the old roof was demolished and a new fiberglass roof expected to provide better protection to the building was installed.

After the roof replacement was completed a few months later, the library began several renovations over the last year. The first two floors of the library remained open throughout the work.

The renovations included replacing ceiling tiles and repairing drywall, both of which had suffered water damage, and repainting the walls. New carpet and flooring were also installed. Upholstered green armchairs on all three floors of the library were professionally cleaned.

Shelving was also cleaned while a study area was created specifically for graduate students. As part of the final preparations, the exterior windows were cleaned by a vendor using a drone to reach the entire building.

Another big undertaking involved restoring and treating just under 200,000 books that needed to be cleaned or repaired. Those and other books, computers, equipment, and materials that had been moved elsewhere are now back on the third floor.

With the work completed, the full library is now open to the campus for the first time in over two years.

Located close to student housing communities, Orbach is a popular study spot, particularly for those in life and physical sciences, said Mihoko Hosoi, university librarian. It features an atrium in the center, large windows with views of the campus and surrounding areas, comfortable seating, spacious study carrel desks, and group study rooms that students can reserve online, she said.

“We are happy to reopen the Orbach Science Library’s third floor, in time for the finals week, with many improvements such as new flooring, fresh paint, clean windows, and refreshed furniture,” Hosoi said. “We’ve made the space more inviting, in addition to repairing the roof and ceiling tiles. The enhancement ensures better protection for Library spaces and collections.”

During finals week, Orbach will extend its study hall hours to remain open 24 hours a day from March 12 to March 20.

A reception is planned for April 1 to celebrate the completion of the improvements.