Columbia College Library to Relocate and Downsize by 2028
Students will see a smaller collection as the library moves to a new campus facility by Spring 2028.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Higher Education
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Columbia College plans to relocate its library to 33 E. Ida B. Wells Dr. by Spring 2028 at the earliest. The move involves downsizing the current collection to fit a smaller space as the institution works to address a $38 million budget deficit.
Why it matters
The library relocation is part of a broader effort to restructure academic offerings and manage college finances. This change will shift student access to resources as staff review and reduce the current inventory of over 200,000 books and equipment.
The project is supported by a $5 million grant from the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Staff are currently evaluating the existing 200,000-book collection to remove items, as the library transitions from its 14-story building at 624 S. Michigan Ave. to a smaller footprint.
The players
Columbia College
A private, urban college in Chicago currently restructuring its academic and physical footprint amid a $38 million deficit.
Illinois Board of Higher Education
The state agency that provided a $5 million grant to support the construction of the new library space.
The details
The library, which has operated at 624 S. Michigan Ave. since 1995, will move to a facility that currently houses other student services. While library staff review which materials will move to the new location, College Archives and Special Collections will remain separately at 619 S. Wabash Ave. The college is currently liquidating other assets, including the recent sale of a president's residence for $2.3 million, to help offset its budget deficit.
Timeline
1995: Library began occupying 624 S. Michigan Ave.
Spring 2028: The library is expected to complete its move at the earliest.
Education Landscape
This project follows the guidelines established by the Illinois Board of Higher Education capital grant process for institutionally critical infrastructure. It reflects a wider trend of colleges consolidating physical space to manage rising operational costs and shifts in student resource usage.
Students should anticipate significant changes to library access and collection availability as the move to 33 E. Ida B. Wells Dr. approaches. For questions about specific course materials or upcoming research access, students should contact the campus library office or their academic advisers.
The takeaway
Students should prepare for a reduced physical collection as the college reorganizes its resources to prioritize a smaller, more sustainable footprint. Review current library research portals to see which digital and physical assets remain available for upcoming terms.
Further reading
For more on how campus infrastructure changes, visit the Higher Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Columbia Chronicle.
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