More than 1,130 students explored the university’s new Adele Hall Learning Commons as the spring semester launched Jan. 11.

Located on the first floor of Love Library North, the $10 million, 30,000-square-foot learning commons is open 24 hours a day, offering the campus community access to a modern, vibrant learning environment designed to encourage cross-discipline collaborations.

Extra time between classes drew Jack Bond, a sophomore economics major, into the new facility. He settled into the quiet reading room on the southwest corner of the learning commons.

“I had to stop and see this cool new space,” Bond said. “It’s so open and offers many types of places to study. For me, this is the perfect environment to study in and the location is so convenient, right in the middle of campus.”

The first floor of Love North was previously home to shelves filled with books. Many of those books — including a visual arts collection — have been relocated to other areas of the library. Lesser-used volumes have been shifted to Library Depository and Retrieval Facility on East Campus and are available via request.

Marco Pinto, a junior biology major, recalled studying among the previous shelves.

“Study space was small and dark in areas around the edge of the shelves,” Pinto said. “Now, it’s open and there’s so much space.

“I used to study in the library maybe one time every other week or so. Now, I think I’ll be coming into this space to study more often.”

Along with an array of study/collaboration space, the learning commons in Love Library features 18 private study rooms that can be reserved for use. It also has access to an ASKus service desk, a Huskertech technology assistance station, a Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and baked goods café, a One Button Studio where users can record presentations, computer access, a vending area and an outdoor plaza. The indoor space can accommodate up to 500 people.

“This first day has met and exceeded our expectations for this space,” said Nancy Busch, dean of University Libraries. “It’s been wonderful seeing students come in for the first time and find places where they feel comfortable. It’s as if they’ve been here before.”

Eleanor Avery, a freshman supply chain management major, was among those students who felt at home in the space.

“I’ve tried to study in the library before, but it was just too quiet for me,” Avery said. “I like this new space because it’s open and has lots of activity. For me, it’s a great atmosphere to study in and I can’t wait to use it more this semester.”

The project was made possible with nearly $7 million in private donations made to the University of Nebraska Foundation. An undisclosed leadership gift was made by the family of Donald J. Hall, chairman of Hallmark Cards Inc., of Kansas City in memory of the late Adele Coryell Hall, a Lincoln native and lifelong devoted Husker who graduated from Nebraska in 1953. For more information on project donors, click here.

A grand opening and dedication for Adele Hall Learning Commons is March 28.

For more information on the Learning Commons at Love Library, click here.