Service Alerts
Find announcements, policy changes, and up-to-date information about temporary service disruptions across the Penn Libraries.
Library services during winter break
Library hours: Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center will be closed on December 25 and on January 1-2, and will be open all other weekdays between December 25 and January 1. All other libraries will be closed from Thursday, December 25 through Sunday, January 4. All library locations will reopen on Monday, January 5.
Live chat will be closed from December 20 to January 5. Questions submitted through our contact form will be answered starting on January 5.
Interlibrary loan: There will be delays in resource sharing (BorrowDirect, EZBorrow, FacultyEXPRESS, Books by Mail, and all other interlibrary loan services) from December 20 to January 5 as we and many of our partner libraries close or operate with reduced hours. Patrons will continue to be able to request items through the library catalog, but requested items will be delayed during this time.
Delivery between Penn Libraries locations: Materials will not be delivered from one library location to another — including from LIBRA to campus locations — between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Requests made on or after December 20 will likely not be available for pickup until January 5 or later.
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.
While the library will remain open throughout the restoration, visitors can expect some noise and disruptions. Alternate quiet study areas are available at library locations across campus.
Find more details about this important preservation effort on our dedicated project page.
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.