Jan. 15, 2026 — Redmond, Wash. Microsoft has closed its physical employee library at the Redmond campus, along with facilities in Hyderabad, Beijing, and Dublin, transitioning the spaces to “AI-powered digital learning experiences” called Skilling Hubs for collaborative learning and exploring emerging technologies.
The company confirmed the closures to GeekWire, noting the changes are underway and will fully roll out in the coming weeks.
“We’re evolving Microsoft Library locations and services to better support how employees learn, stay current, and build new skills,” a Microsoft spokesperson said in an email.
An internal FAQ obtained by The Verge, which first reported the story, states:
“The Library closed as part of Microsoft’s move toward a more modern, connected learning experience through the Skilling Hub. We know this change affects a space many people valued.”
The transition also includes cuts to subscriptions for news services, business journals, and digital publications provided to roughly 220,000 employees, such as The Information and Strategic News Service, which had served Microsoft for over 20 years, according to The Verge and Entrepreneur.
The Redmond library, recently in Building 92 after earlier locations including Building 4, hosted author events and featured books recommended by CEO Satya Nadella and executives. Former Windows president Steven Sinofsky described it on X as “a crown jewel of the early days,” noting the library acquired requested titles.
Image from social media post referencing the library closure.
The moves follow 15,000 layoffs and align with Microsoft’s AI focus, per reports including MSN.
On X, GeekWire shared its coverage, while user @HedgieMarkets critiqued the shift from journalism to AI for employee information, garnering over 1,700 likes.
🦔 Microsoft is shutting down its employee library and canceling subscriptions to news services, business journals, and digital publications. […] The replacement? An “AI-powered learning experience.”
My Take
This is a company telling its employees to get their information from AI instead of from journalists […]— Hedgie (@HedgieMarkets) January 16, 2026
