Reading period access: From April 30 to May 14, access to the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center and the Fisher Fine Arts Library will be limited to PennCard holders and other Penn affiliates. Find more information.

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Ask a Question

Need help prepping for finals? Want to know how to find things in the library? Talk to a librarian! Use our "Ask" chat to message us Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and get a real-time response, wherever you are.

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A cozy, well-lit study area with individuals at separate wooden tables, each equipped with a desk lamp. People are engaged in reading or 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. 

Aerial view of Penn's quad, showing Van Pelt Library and the Fisher Fine Arts Library.

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.

Photograph of stack of Chinese books.

Exploring Chinese Internet Literature

To more accurately reflect the diversity of literature in China, the Penn Libraries has made a special effort to add recent internet novels that have been published in print form to our collection.

Upcoming Events

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Row of rainbow crayons with the text "Grab and Go Coloring Kits"
  • Workshop
May 5, 2024

Grab and Go: Coloring Kits

Take a study break and relax with coloring! Kits will include everything you need to get started. Stop by all day while supplies last.

  • 9:00am - 10:00pm
  • Education Commons Tinker Lab
Open to Penn Students Only
Group of 7 people taking a selfie after a walk
May 7, 2024

Penn Walks 2 Wellness

Each Tuesday we will meet between The Button and the Ben Franklin Statue outside of Van Pelt Library. This semester we invite participants to join us for a walk and are invited to share their interests and stories.

  • 12:00pm - 1:00pm
  • Outside Van Pelt Library, Between the Button and Ben Franklin statue
Open to Penn Students, Faculty, and Staff
Two students with laptops talking to one another in a study room.
  • Workshop
May 7, 2024

Paper Writing Drop-In

Wherever you are in the paper-writing process, you can stop by our weekly drop-in sessions to get immediate help with organizing your research notes, citing your sources, and more!

  • 3:30pm - 4:30pm
  • Weigle Information Commons Rooms and Booths, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center (1st floor)
Open to Penn Students Only