Access information for Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center

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General access

Public Access to U.S. Government and U.N. Depository Documents

As a Federal Depository Library Program participant, the Penn Libraries make U.S. government documents received through the depository program available for the free use of the general public. Please read about access.

Restricted access

Access for Penn-affiliated visitors, guests, & visiting groups

Penn alumni:

Alumni are encouraged to obtain a Penn Alumni Card, which will provide unrestricted access to Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, excluding 24 hour access to Goldstein Undergraduate Study Center. Information on securing a card and on library services for alumni is available at guides.library.upenn.edu/alumniservices/visiting.

Guests of Penn students:

Penn students who wish to bring guests into the library weekday evenings or on the weekend, must request a Visitor’s Pass in advance of the visit. Please email Access Services at accessvp@pobox.upenn.edu, during Access Services office hours and we will direct your request to the appropriate department: Monday - Friday 9a-4:30. Requests can also be made via telephone to the Van Pelt Library Circulation Department at 215-898-7566 Monday-Friday before 4:30p. Thank you!

Children of Penn faculty, staff, & students:

Children may enter the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center when accompanied by a parent or guardian with a valid I.D. as described above. Children in the Library Center must remain accompanied by their parent or guardian at all times.

Elementary, middle, & high school students:

The Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center is not open for use by individual elementary, middle, or high school students. Students who need to use depository documents should read about access at www.library.upenn.edu/about/access/policies/govdocs.

Prospective students & their families:

The library welcomes prospective Penn students and their families to visit the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center. To make arrangements, Please send a request or phone 215-898-7555

Accessible entrance

Accessible entrance, ground floor south

The accessible entrance of Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center opens into the Goldstein Undergraduate Study Center. This entrance is on the ground floor of the building facing Blanche P. Levy Park. A wheelchair accessible doorbell is located on the railing leading toward the door.