Access and Visitor Information for the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center

Address and Contact Information

3420 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6206
215-898-7566
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Accessibility information

For all library visitors

To enter the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, visitors must show a valid PennCard or a current, valid photo ID that contains an expiration date. Registered courtesy borrowers should show their library-issued borrower's card and a valid photo ID.

Visitors who do not hold a PennCard, an Institutional ID from HUP, CHOP, Pennsylvania, or Presbyterian Hospitals, or a University Photo ID from a BorrowDirect Plus partner or other reciprocal borrowing institution will be asked to sign in. A copy of their identification documents may be made and a visitor badge may be issued. The information obtained from the ID will be used only for security and/or law enforcement purposes when necessary. This visitor policy also applies to guests of PennCard holders and prospective students.

Visitors must abide by all Penn Libraries policies and guidelines.

For Penn alumni

Alumni are encouraged t o obtain a Penn Alumni Card, which provides access onsite and offsite to a selection of electronic resources that have been licensed for alumni use. Learn more about alumni access.

For children visiting the library

Visitors under the age of 18 may enter the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center when accompanied by a parent or guardian with a valid ID as described above. Children must remain accompanied by their parent or guardian at all times.

Visiting the Goldstein Undergraduate Study Center

The Goldstein Undergraduate Study Center (USC), located on the ground floor of the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, is open 24 hours Monday through Thursday (fall and spring semesters only) to all Penn students, faculty, and staff. Check the Goldstein hours page for starting and ending days for overnight hours.

How to enter the UGC

After the main entrance to the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center is closed, enter through the ground floor entrance directly into the Goldstein USC.

After 10 p.m.: Access to the Goldstein Undergraduate Study Center is restricted to patrons with PennCards, Library Courtesy Cards, and Drexel IDs.

After 11 p.m.: The use of the Goldstein Undergraduate Study Center is restricted to current Penn faculty, staff, and students.

Visiting the Circulation Desk

Van Pelt Library's circulation desk is located on the first floor to the right of the main entrance. Patrons can visit the desk to check out books, pick up items that are on reserve, pay fines, or get help locating materials. Please note that circulation desk hours may be different from hours for the rest of the library. Find out when the circulation desk is available.

Public access to government documents

The Penn Libraries participates in the Federal Depository Library Program as an elective depository for U.S. government documents and makes U.S. government documents received through the depository program available to the general public. Learn how to request and access items.

Restricted access during Reading Days and Finals

Access to the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center is limited during peak demand time for Penn students and faculty. During Reading Days and Final Exam Periods at the close of each semester (fall semester: December; spring semester: April/May), access will be limited to individuals who hold one of the following valid, non-expired pieces of identification:

PennCard (including Penn Development Officers and their guests)

an Institutional ID from HUP, CHOP, Pennsylvania, or Presbyterian Hospitals

a Penn Alumni Card

a Library Courtesy Card

a University Photo ID from a BorrowDirect Plus partner or other reciprocal borrowing institutions

Exceptions will be made for visitors (non-Penn affiliates) who make prior arrangements with a Penn Libraries staff member. Please contact the Circulation Desk (vpcircdk@pobox.upenn.edu) for details.