Penn Libraries Visitor Information

Main content

General access

The Penn Libraries welcome visitors whose research requires use of our collections. The Library system includes separate libraries and collections in numerous locations.

Weekdays:

Many of the University of Pennsylvania Libraries are open to the public during weekdays. Presentation of a current, valid government or school-issued photo I.D. containing an expiration date is required. Access policies vary by library and change during reading and exam periods. Consult individual library access pages for details.

Evenings and Weekends:

Evening hours start at 6pm and access is restricted to:

For complete information about access to individual libraries, please see www.library.upenn.edu/about/access.

Resources

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 at www.library.upenn.edu/about/access/policies/govdocs.

Services

Borrowing

Visitors interested in borrowing Penn Libraries' materials may apply for courtesy borrowing privileges for a fee.  Courtesy Cards carry with them borrowing privileges for all libraries excluding the Biddle Law Library. Due to licensing agreements, the purchase of a courtesy borrowing card does not include access to electronic resources such as subscription article indexes and e-journals.

LIBRA Requests

LIBRA is our off-campus storage facility for many of Penn Libraries' materials. Within the Franklin catalog, the location LIBRA indicates that an item is physically located at this facility and must be requested. Visitors may request delivery of LIBRA items to Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center by completing this form. Allow 2 business days for delivery. You will be notified by email when the item is available for pickup at the Van Pelt-Dietrich Circulation Center.

Special Collections research account

Visitors who wish to examine special collections held by Penn Libraries must create a Special Collections Research Account online before requesting any materials. To save time and help librarians locate the materials you need, please create a special collections researcher account before visiting.

Printing & Photocopying

Public self-service printers and photocopiers are available in all libraries. The cost of photocopying is $0.10 per page when using cash or $0.08 per page when using the PennCash System. Printing must be paid for using the PennCash System. Visitors may purchase a special Visitor PennCash Card to which they may add cash value. The cost of a Visitor Card with no value on it is $1.00.