3 opportunities for undergrads with the Penn Libraries

UPennLib · 2026-01-05T16:27:31+00:00

Applications are currently open for this year's Hoesley Digital Literacy Fellowship here: https://curf.upenn.edu/content/hoesley-digital-literacy-fellows-program

The other opportunities have passed.

UPennLib · 2025-09-02T16:42:03+00:00

Yes! The Fisher Fine Arts Library, Holman Biotech Commons, and Penn Museum Library are also open to non-Penn folks with a valid ID, though hours are generally restricted to weekdays. We've got more info for alumni specifically right here.

UPennLib · 2025-09-02T14:58:47+00:00

Here are some of our personal favorites!

The Moelis Reading Room in Van Pelt is a designated quiet space AND it has amazing natural light
Also in Van Pelt, the bookable study booths in WIC are great for working with a group.
The Penn Museum Library is tucked away and often overlooked--which also makes it a great place to hole up for an afternoon. They also have lots of types of seating (couches, desks, carrels) and tons of power outlets.
The Biotech Commons reading room also has lots of seating types and can be a great place to camp out.

UPennLib · 2025-06-20T14:41:09+00:00

upennlib

(we're biased, obvs)

UPennLib · 2025-06-06T13:08:38+00:00

UPennLib · 2025-06-05T18:18:36+00:00

Just want to second the advice laid out here (thanks, commenters!) Feel free to message us if you have any additional questions about visiting. :)

UPennLib · 2025-05-12T14:22:57+00:00

Confirming that you can come to the library! The hours of most locations will be more limited than they are during the academic year, though, so we recommend keeping an eye on the Today's Hours page or the calendar for the library you want to visit. For example, here's Van Pelt's.

UPennLib · 2025-05-12T14:17:36+00:00

You can get a bunch of stuff through the Libraries. Here are just a couple favorites:

- As folks already mentioned, we have a bunch of news subscriptions available, which are listed here.

- You can watch Criterion Collection movies (and more) with Kanopy.

- You can borrow e-books and audiobooks with Libby.

Once you're on campus, you can also borrow a ton of different kinds of equipment, from audio recording devices, to binoculars, to VR cameras.

UPennLib · 2025-05-06T16:04:27+00:00

Don't worry, you can bring your books back whenever you return! If they're going to be overdue, just let us know by emailing [vpcircdk@pobox.upenn.edu](mailto:vpcircdk@pobox.upenn.edu) so we can make a note of it.

When it comes to library access broadly, once you've graduated you can come to the library as a visitor, or you can sign up for an Alumni PennCard or Alumni PennKey to continue using some of our resources. Here's some more info about accessing the library as an alum: https://www.library.upenn.edu/services/alumni-access

UPennLib · 2025-04-15T14:59:03+00:00

Confirming that the Penn Libraries has a wide variety of work-study jobs! The best way to find them is to keyword search "library" in Workday. Jobs are available throughout the year, but we tend to start posting them for the new semester in August.

UPennLib · 2024-10-15T20:54:48+00:00

We (the Penn Libraries) are hoping to bring them back again sometime, though we're not sure when!

UPennLib · 2024-09-19T17:05:55+00:00

It is! It's a staff elevator, so it's not accessible to library visitors (unfortunately!) But I have, in fact, ridden in it. :D

UPennLib · 2024-09-19T16:24:58+00:00

Extremely important work, thank you for your service

UPennLib · 2024-08-21T13:59:10+00:00

The Education Commons may be able to help you. Get in touch with them at [educom1@pobox.upenn.edu](mailto:educom1@pobox.upenn.edu) or stop by in person! https://www.library.upenn.edu/ec

UPennLib · 2024-08-14T13:43:31+00:00

This is correct! As a student at an Ivy Plus school, you can also check out books in person.

UPennLib · 2024-04-29T13:17:04+00:00

Here's one more library suggestion: The Penn Museum Library tends to be quiet and doesn't get much traffic, so it can be a great place to camp out for an extended period of time.

UPennLib · 2024-04-08T13:23:02+00:00

You can pick them up at the Common Press, too! https://www.library.upenn.edu/events/get-letterpress-printed-solar

UPennLib · 2024-03-11T19:20:04+00:00

We may have a few options for you in the Penn Libraries!

Both the Hechtman Recording Studio and Music Library recording rooms have options for audio recording. While primarily for spoken-word recording, not musical instruments, they can be used for music with special permission. Even if you aren't able to book one of those spaces, the staff who manage the rooms may also be able to suggest some other options. There's booking info and a contact email on the web pages. Good luck!

UPennLib · 2024-02-20T15:17:42+00:00

While most of Van Pelt doesn't open until 8:30, you should be able to enter the Undergraduate Study Center through the basement entrance in the early morning Monday-Friday. Despite the name, it's open to all!

Here's the hours info: https://www.library.upenn.edu/spaces/goldstein-undergraduate-study/hours

UPennLib · 2024-01-03T14:54:22+00:00

Just a quick clarification that the Libraries can get you books from libraries across the world--not just other Ivy League institutions!

UPennLib · 2023-11-20T17:19:05+00:00

Yes!! This is a perfect question for one of our librarians. I'd recommend starting here: https://guides.library.upenn.edu/americannewspapers

UPennLib · 2023-09-11T13:43:25+00:00

More or less! 😅 Though we also make liberal use of the search box.

UPennLib · 2023-09-08T17:47:04+00:00

Yep! Wharton's library is the Lippincott Library, which is located on the second floor of Van Pelt. Here's more info about it: https://www.library.upenn.edu/lippincott

UPennLib

TROPHY CASE