Neilson Library

Student sitting in a chair reading a magazine, while a group of students studies at a table in the background.

Pursue new ideas. Uncover history that has been overlooked. Work with classmates to create something original. Grab a cup of coffee with a professor to discuss a concept from class. Laugh with friends in the café as you work on a paper. Enjoy the view from the roof balcony while you collect your thoughts. You’re in Neilson Library, an intellectual meeting place at the heart of campus, and life is full of possibilities.

10 Reasons to Love the New Neilson

There are plenty of reasons to love Neilson Library. Read the Fall 2021 issue of the
Smith Alumnae Quarterly to discover some of them.

READ “29 REASONS TO LOVE THE NEW NEILSON”

Experience Neilson Library

Photo of students studying at a table in the library.

“... Each floor echoes with the voices of students, faculty, staff and alums who dreamed of creating a library befitting of Smith’s stature as a leader in higher education.”
—President Kathleen McCartney

What Excites Me About the New Neilson

Graphic illustration of students in the library by Aya Kakeda for the fall 2021 SAQ

"The Library as a Microcosm of the Campus"
—Hélène Visentin, associate dean of the faculty, on Smith being collaborative, multidisciplinary and pangenerational.

Graphic illustration of a woman sitting in the library reading a book by Yifan Wu for the fall 2021 SAQ

“A Setting Worthy of Their Excellence”
—Nancy Mason Bradbury ’74, professor emerita of English language and literature, on a home for Smith’s exceptional collections.

Colorful abstract graphic illustration of a person with arrows and clouds by Melinda Beck for the fall 2021 SAQ

“An Extraordinary Time to Be a Scholar at Smith”
—Michael Thurston, provost and dean of the faculty, on the production and presentation of new knowledge.

Graphic illustration of an open book depicting a historic version of the library on the left and a modern version on the right for the fall 2021 SAQ

“A Seamless Blend of the Historic and Modern”
—Jess deCourcy Hinds ’00 on what the reimagined Neilson reveals about the future of libraries.

The Academic Heart of Campus

As libraries keep evolving, Neilson will continue to foster bold creativity, expand intellectual boundaries and invite everyone to participate equally in dynamic scholarly exchange.

Early on, architectural designer Maya Lin said that in reimagining Neilson she wanted to create a “glowing central hub that revitalizes the center of the campus.” Mission accomplished.
(Photo by Nic Lehoux )

Wide interior shot of multiple levels of the library

Neilson has many areas with unobstructed views, which results in an open and airy feel to the interior that allows visibility into the collections and assists with wayfinding.
(Photo by Nic Lehoux )

Students sitting on the ground, talking, overlooking another level of the library

Today, library users want a place to connect formally and informally. Faculty and students value the moments that can occur while browsing the stacks or meeting people who are doing similar research and drawing on different perspectives that come from lively conversations.
(Photo by Nic Lehoux)

Two people sitting at a table in a collaborative room in Neilson

Academic libraries of today are very different spaces than they were even 10 years ago. They are infused with technology and filled with active-learning spaces that foster experimenting and making.

Desks and chairs in the new library space

Take advantage of study spaces for contemplation and reflection or collaborative learning spaces, including experimental studios, a User Experience Lab, a reading room and computer lab.
(Photo by Nic Lehoux)

Off the Skyline Reading Room on the fourth floor, enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding valley.

View of Maya Lin's original river-inspired artwork, created for Neilson library

Maya Lin’s original sculpture of the Cappawonganick (Mill River) perfectly symbolizes Smith’s pride of place, the beauty of the campus and the college’s commitment to sustainability.

Groups of students sitting in Neilson common area

Every feature of the library reflects what students wished for: flexible spaces, sustainable practices, lots of books, the latest technology, spaces to study alone together and a café for socializing.
(Photo by Nic Lehoux)

Student sitting at table, reading a book

Neilson “is a unifying space where everyone can gather to study, engage with ideas, use the incredible technology and the expertise of staff, and share what they’re learning with the entire community,” says Susan Fliss, Smith’s dean of libraries.

A courtyard garden allows daylight to stream into the library’s ground floor, while at night it casts a magical glow from the inside out.
(Photo by Nic Lehoux)

Outside view of the side Neilson library at night, with windows illuminated inside

The College Archives, Sophia Smith Collection and Mortimer Rare Book Collection have combined to form a unified special collections department. These collections, staff and teaching spaces fill the Mary Maples Dunn Wing of the library.
(Photo by Nic Lehoux)

View looking skyward inside the Neilson library

From its inception, Neilson has provided a space for women to think, learn and dream.

Neilson Library is Leed Gold Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. Learn more about Smith's green and efficient buildings.

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What Excites Me About the New Neilson

The Academic Heart of Campus

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