On Sunday, December 10, 2023, 12:00 - 2:00 AM, Franklin, Colenda, and other Libraries applications may be unavailable due to a necessary system upgrade. Articles+ will be unaffected.

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Explore our spaces finder

Looking for a new study space?

Do you prefer quiet or like a little bit of chaos? Want to make sure you can bring your study snacks with you? Use the Penn Libraries spaces finder to discover the study spot that fits your preferences.

Search our spaces
A sun-filled room in Van Pelt Library with orange chairs and wooden tables. Two students sit in the chairs in the background, working on laptops.

Using the Library

Quick Start Guide

Search the Franklin Catalog

Use Franklin to find books, journal articles, databases, CDs and DVDs, and anything else in the Penn Libraries collections.

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Get Off-Campus Access

Need to access subscription materials like journals, databases, and ebooks when you’re not on campus? Check out our cheat sheet.

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Request Scans

Our library staff can scan book chapters and articles for quick delivery directly to your inbox.

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Receive Books by Mail

When you register for Books By Mail, you can request to have books sent to your off-campus address anywhere in the United States.

A library staff member puts books on a cart in Van Pelt Library.

Ask a Question Anytime

Explore our archive of Frequently Asked Questions. Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Submit your question anytime, and we’ll respond within 24 hours.

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Book a Consultation

Book an in-person or virtual consultation with a librarian or technology consultant with expertise in your field of study, copyright, digital fabrication, or statistical and design software.

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Browse our spaces

Explore our array of flexible and innovative spaces, from collaborative or quiet study spots to classrooms designed for active learning and equipped with the latest technology.

People studying by the felt wall of the Reading Room. Cushioned seats and reading lamps line the long wooden tables.

Reserve a room

Already know exactly which room you need? Head directly to our room reservation system.

Rolling chairs surrounding a long conference table. There is a rolling whiteboard in the room as well as large windows that provide a view of campus.

Explore our library locations

Like to study in the middle of the night? Need specialized databases at your fingertips? Looking for a location close to your classes? Find out how to visit all our library locations across campus—and beyond—and discover which one suits your needs best. 

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Featured Collections

The Penn Libraries' global collections encompass hundreds of languages and scripts across a broad range of subject areas, preserving the rich cultural and scholarly record from Africa, East Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and South Asia. Read about some of our unique recent acquisitions.

A pile of colorful books. Visible titles include "Reconciliation: Journey of Solidarity Through A Wounded India," "My Days In the Underworld: The Rise of the Bangalore Mafia," and "Queen of Hearts."

The Legacy of Westland Books

In the last year, the Penn Libraries purchased more than 400 volumes published by the recently-shuttered Indian publisher Westland Books.

Books on a shelf. Legible titles include: The Usual Suspects, Belles, Sea Winter, Dream Country, and The Last-Last Day of Summer.

Award-Winning Books

Discover books in the Penn Libraries collections that have won awards for their depictions of or significance to marginalized communities.

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Yiddish-Language Collections

The Penn Libraries' Yiddish-language holdings document the story of Yiddish language, literature, culture, and history.

Upcoming Events

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Two cartoon cookie cutters
  • Workshop
December 12, 2023

Cookie Decorating Workshop

Practice your fine motor and hand skills by decorating cookies at the Leon Levy Dental Medicine Library.

  • 12:00pm - 1:00pm
  • Room LL02A, Lower Level, Evans Building
Open to Penn Students, Faculty, and Staff
Four images, clockwise from upper left: a post-it note with a drawing of a lightbulb tacked to a bulletin board; a seated woman in a white tank top with hands clasped behind her back; illustration of tarot cards on pink background; laser-cut wooden figures of a dinosaur and a cute furry creature
  • Event
December 12, 2023

De-stress Fest

Take a breather before finals with an afternoon of relaxing activities!

  • 2:30pm - 4:30pm
  • Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, 2nd floor
Open to Penn Students Only