Visit and Study

Due to COVID-19, Yale's library spaces are limited to current Yale students, faculty, and staff. As pandemic restrictions are lifted, we look forward to welcoming back New Haven community members, research scholars, and other visitors. Until then, we invite you to explore our library spaces and collections online.

Using the Libraries

Special Collections

See access policies or make a reading room appointment

Printers and Scanners

Find printers and scanners in any library

Places to Study

Search by library locations for a place to study

Carrels and Lockers

Media Equipment

Borrow laptops, cameras, and other equipment from Bass

Room Reservations

Reserve study spaces and meeting rooms

Borrowing Books

Learn about the policies and procedures for borrowing library materials.

Library Access and Use

Learn about the policies and terms of using the libraries

Libraries and Locations

Sterling Memorial Library

Opened in 1931, Sterling is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture at the heart of central campus. As Yale's largest library, its 14-story stack tower contains 2.5 million volumes with a focus on the humanities and area studies. Sterling is the administrative hub of the university library system and houses the Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning. Sterling is connected by a tunnel to Bass Library, a popular study space and the starting point for undergraduate research support and library instruction.

More about Sterling Memorial Library