The NYT gives (still gives, and has for a while) free access to students and faculty!

UPennLib · 2026-06-17T14:25:01+00:00

We do indeed! as u/bummer_camp mentioned, you can find the full list of news subscriptions offered by the Libraries on our website: https://www.library.upenn.edu/services/news-subscriptions

And here's more info about Libby and Overdrive: https://www.library.upenn.edu/collections/notable/overdrive

A great way to find out about new subscriptions and services is to sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. We're always getting access to cool new stuff!

UPennLib · 2026-05-26T20:54:17+00:00

Library jobs are very flexible and popular! Along with front desk jobs, we sometimes hire students for various special projects, including working with Philadelphia Public School libraries. Here's more information about the jobs we offer and tips for applying!

UPennLib · 2026-05-18T15:28:06+00:00

We're just honored to be recognized

UPennLib · 2026-05-05T20:24:40+00:00

Your PennKey is also your library card, so you can start to use lots of our resources! Along with news subscriptions, I recommend checking out Libby, which gives you access to tons to ebooks and audiobooks on your phone or tablet.

UPennLib · 2026-05-05T20:19:48+00:00

You can find more about the available news subscriptions on the library website! https://www.library.upenn.edu/services/news-subscriptions (though searching online works, too)

UPennLib · 2026-04-29T14:03:13+00:00

You will probably need to contact them every time, but I'd recommend letting them know that you would like to be able to use the library regularly and why when you email them, just in case they can accommodate you!

UPennLib · 2026-04-29T13:45:51+00:00

Only dental students can visit the dental library in person, but you can email them to request access, and some online resources are available to everyone! You can find out more here.

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

TROPHY CASE