Service Alerts
Find announcements, policy changes, and up-to-date information about temporary service disruptions across the Penn Libraries.
Ongoing restoration at Fisher Fine Arts Library
The iconic Anne and Jerome Fisher Fine Arts Library, a significant architectural landmark, will celebrate its 135th anniversary in 2026. To preserve this historic brick and terra cotta structure for future generations, a comprehensive exterior restoration project is planned. This critical 20-month undertaking will run from spring 2025 through fall 2026.
On Monday, August 11, the main entrance to the building will be closed so restoration work can take place. To enter, use the accessible door through the Duhring Wing and take the elevator to the first floor. The accessible door is located on the South side of the building across from the Irvine Auditorium parking lot. See map and directions to the accessible entrance.
Alternate quiet study areas are also available at library locations across campus.
Find more details about this important preservation effort on our dedicated project page.
Changes coming to the Books by Mail Program
Starting in the new academic year, we will be implementing new parameters for Books by Mail. Items will only be shipped to addresses in the contiguous United States 50 miles or further from campus. Patrons with addresses within 50 miles of campus must pick up their library requests at one of our library locations.
We will make exceptions for students, faculty, and staff with disabilities:
- Students who are registered with Disability Services through the Weingarten Center should email us to let us know.
- Faculty and staff who have requested ADA accommodations through the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs should also email us.
Additionally, standing, tenure-track faculty can still use FacultyEXPRESS to have materials sent to their on-campus offices.
Temporary closure of East Asia stacks
The East Asia collection on the fifth floor of Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center will be in transit and inaccessible for in-person browsing from 9am-3pm, Monday to Friday, through August 22.
There are two ways you can still get what you need:
- Let our staff pull items for you. Log in to the catalog, select your item, click the green "request an item" button, and request pickup at our automated lockers or at the Penn library location of your choice.
- Browse when the stacks are open. You're welcome to pull materials yourself anytime over the weekend, or on weekdays before 9am and after 3pm as long as the library is otherwise open. Just check Van Pelt's daily hours to plan your visit.
New library catalog
- The Penn Libraries has built a new, user-focused library catalog, with a simpler look and easier search features. Explore it at find.library.upenn.edu.
- Franklin, the previous catalog, was retired on January 15.
- We’ll continue to adapt the search tool to patrons’ evolving needs. See the release notes if you’re interested in reading about the latest changes, and use this form to alert us to bugs, suggest improvements, or ask questions.
More information
- Looking for more information about regular library operations and services? Browse the basics in our Quick Start Guide, search the FAQ, or ask us a question.