UCSB Library Senior Writer Karen Lindell said the expanded library will open on Jan. 4, 2016, rather than this November as was announced this summer. According to Lindell, the newly renovated library will span 150,000 square feet and include a 24-Hour Learning Commons, Summit Café and Special Research Collections.

Photo Courtesy of Karen Lindell

Above: The Paseo houses the reference desk and services desk, where users can check out course reserves, interlibrary loans, laptops and other circulating materials. A second-floor bridge connects the newly named Mountain Side (north) and Ocean Side (south) of the library.

Above: The sit-down Summit Café, located on the first floor of the 24-hour Learning Commons and run by UCen Dining Services, will sell hot and cold foods, including coffee and teas. According to Lindell, the café’s name was chosen because the food station is located on the mountain side of the library, where “knowledge reaches its summit.”

A version of this story appeared on p. 7 of the Thursday, Oct. 1 print edition of the Daily Nexus.