Last updated: September 11, 2026

Renovations for parts of the main floor and lower level of the Gerstein Science Information are now underway for Fall 2026. We appreciate your patience during this time, and please check this page for any important updates as they arise.

The affected spaces and equipment are as follows:

Main floor:

The right side that formerly housed the Garden & Seed Library, Book Stop, computers, and B&W printer are under construction
The routes via the Heritage Reading Room typically used to access the Silent Study Areas and stairs to the 2nd floor group study rooms are affected - please take an alternative route via the hallway directly facing the Public Service Desk instead

1-Below:

Washrooms facing the Kibo Café are under construction

Here are where some things have been relocated:

Book Stop Leisure Reading Collection & Graphic Medicine Collection – moved to Short Term Loan area next to the Public Service Desk (Main floor)

B&W printer – Wallace Room (Main floor); a scanner and copier are available to use in the Short Term Loan area

Garden & Seed Library - moved to hallway between Short Term Loan and the main elevator (Main floor)

Computers – moved to the Wallace Room (Main floor)

FAQs

Can I study on the first floor? 

Yes! While most of the louder work is planned to be done earlier in the day, there will be times when it may be louder later in the day.

If you need a quieter space to study, please ask staff at our Public Service Desk for suggestions, or consult our floor plans for another quiet/silent space. You can also ask for earplugs at our Public Service Desk (as supplies last).

Is the Heritage Reading Room available to study in?

Yes! The Reading Room is still open and accessible via the hallway facing the Public Service Desk.

Where are the nearest washrooms?

The nearest washroom is the single-stall all-gender washroom (Main floor). Go down the hallway facing the Public Service Desk, then turn left at the end of the hallway - it's on the right side. For more washroom locations, check our floor plans.

What will changes will we see when construction is finished?

These renovations will provide more spaces for relaxing and studying, more comfortable seating, modern washrooms, and a lab for library workshops.

If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know at our Public Service Desk (Main floor) or our Gerstein Virtual Help Desk, or contact us at ask.gerstein@utoronto.ca.

NOTICE: Construction for Fall 2026 (1-Below washrooms and main floor)