A First Look at the Alia Tutor Law Library

In October 2022, Columbia Law School announced a $17.5 million lead gift from Alia Tutor ’00 to renovate the Law Library. In the months since, the Library Renovation project has been set in motion—with valuable feedback provided by a Steering Committee composed of students, faculty, and staff and continued collaboration with the architects and designers at Perkins Eastman to refine and finalize the plans for the new space. 

Now that this long-awaited project has commenced, the Law School is also able to share images that capture the aspirations for the layout and design of the Alia Tutor Law Library. Though these renderings are still preliminary, they offer a first look at the extraordinary magnitude of this project, which will completely reimagine more than 50,000 square feet of Jerome L. Greene Hall and create a new landmark for Columbia Law School. 

The new design is structured around the top priorities identified by students in a series of surveys and focus groups. The plan not only includes a dramatic increase in the number of library study seats—roughly 60% over current levels—but it also features more than 20 reservable group study rooms and a marquee double-height reading room with sweeping views and ample natural light. 

Intensive planning efforts will be underway during the months ahead, and members of the Law School community will continue to receive updates about the project along with the life safety systems upgrades required before the Law Library renovation can begin in earnest.

Explore the renderings below. Learn more about the renovation, and stay up-to-date on the latest news and information about the project.

Exterior

At night, the light pouring out onto Revson Plaza from the Law Library’s two-story reading room windows will become a new aesthetic jewel of the Columbia campus. 

Interior

Inside, throughout the space, thoughtful design choices will bridge the mid-century design of Jerome L. Greene Hall with the needs of a modern and adaptive Law Library.

2nd Level: Individual and Group Study

The renovated 2nd level of the Alia Tutor Law Library will become a nexus for group study and collaboration. Each of the more than 20 rooms will be fully enclosed and equipped with state-of-the-art technology and flexible seating options. In addition, the 2nd level will incorporate more casual, open seating—a place to catch up between classes or meetings without having to worry about disturbing others—and will also be outfitted with a reading room with over 60 single-student carrels, nestled among stacks of frequently used print materials.

3rd Level: A Marquee Reading Room

The 3rd level will be anchored by a grand, two-story reading room—an open, light-filled space with views stretching out across Revson and Ancell plazas. The 3rd level will continue to serve as the main point of entry to the library, with a wraparound information desk and extended table space and individual seating to comfortably accommodate nearly 200 students.

4th Level: Multi-Modal Seating and Reference Support

With another 200 seats available, the 4th level will offer a convenient mix of both extended table space and individual student carrels, along with stacks of regularly used print materials. The 4th level will also be home to a reading room and a new rare book and manuscript room, as well as offices and workstations for librarians.