For the first time in two years, UCLA students can use the Powell Library Main Reading Room.

In fall 2022, the library’s main reading room shut down for seismic renovations to meet updated building codes, said Allison Benedetti – associate university librarian for teaching, learning and research – in a written statement. On Oct. 28, the main reading room reopened for UCLA students to study in once more.

“I would be sad if it were under construction throughout my undergrad,” said Kevin Le, a third-year electrical engineering student. “It’s a big plus.”

The construction plan was based on strengthening the room’s historic architecture, rather than modernizing it, Benedetti added in the statement. Nonetheless, one essential part of the library is still absent – the main reading room does not yet hold books on its shelves.

Benedetti said in the statement that moving the books – including community collections of recent fiction, cookbooks, graphic novels, social justice books and video games – back into the room will happen gradually.

“In order to give students access to the Main Reading Room as soon as possible, we decided to open the room without the books,” Benedetti said in the statement. “Moving thousands of books around is a significant undertaking and it will take some time to get them in place.”

Aleen Hernandez, a fourth-year physiological science student, said the library’s beauty makes it special to her, adding that she believes the aesthetics of the library could attract future undergraduate applicants to the university.

“I think it would help future generations choose UCLA, in a way, because it is a really nice library,” she said.

Le added that having the main reading room open will allow students to feel more encouraged to study, knowing they can come in freely to a new location during the day and find a spot to sit.

Hernandez added that she believes the room’s Italian Romanesque-inspired architecture, often compared to that of Hogwarts – a fictional school in the “Harry Potter” book series – encourages her to study as if she is in one of the series’ movies.

Haley Altemeyer, a first-year biochemistry student, said Powell Library is the main library she goes to for studying. Having the main reading room offers her more space to study and be productive throughout the day after her classes end, she added.

“I come here every day now that the main room’s open,” Altemeyer said. “It’s easier to get it (work) done here than in my dorm room.”

Benedetti said in the statement that about 130 people are in the main reading room during most hours of the day. However, now that more people are aware of its reopening, Hernandez said she finds it is always packed.

Le also said that although he likes studying in the room, he finds that the wooden chairs in the main reading room tend to make a lot of noise as students come and go, causing disruptions to the quiet space. He added that finding a solution to the issue would preserve the room’s peaceful atmosphere.

However, Le said that overall, the reopening of Powell’s main reading room has been a significant change for the library.

“It’s the main room for a reason,” Le said. “It’s definitely the most beautiful part of Powell.”