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Winter Closure

Multiple Danforth campus libraries will be closed and inaccessible to patrons from December 21 until January 2. Read on for more details. 

Student working in Olin Library
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10 Reasons to Love the Libraries

By WashU Libraries

Washington University in St. Louis has nine Libraries, all with unique features, spaces, and resources to explore. Seven are on the Danforth Campus. See a map with all locations here.

Subject Librarian helping a student.
Physics and math librarian Alison Verbeck assisting a student.

Subject librarians are your personal advocates for library services, and can provide one-on-one research consultations to assist you in finding the resources you need. Access our 24/7 chat so that you can get help whenever you need it.

Borrow materials from libraries anywhere in the world. Request books and articles from other libraries through one of the multiple options in our interlibrary loan system.

The Julian Edison Department of Special Collections provides access to rare and unique primary source materials. Our collecting areas include the Film & Media Archive, Manuscripts, D.B. Dowd Modern Graphic History Library, Rare Books, University Archives, and Local History. A number of the libraries across campus also house unique collections in music, art and architecture, East Asian studies, and more.

Access hundreds of library databases of scholarly articles and journals anytime and anywhere. Use your WashU credentials to access scholarly electronic resources from off campus. 

Consult with our Data Services team for guidance in finding, evaluating, analyzing, or managing data, and visually communicating through graphics or maps.

University Libraries offer a diverse lineup of events and exhibitions throughout the year, including book talks, poetry readings, lectures, film screenings, workshops, symposia, and study breaks.

The Libraries offer awards and competitions for students to celebrate research projects, encourage personal libraries, and support travel.

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Interior of Newman Exploration Center in Olin Library

Photos above: Unique study spaces available throughout John M. Olin Library.

Reserve a group study room on Level 2 of Olin Library, and take advantage of our unique study areas such as the Newman Exploration Center, Risa’s Landing, and the Sky Room in Olin Library. Our Danforth Campus library spaces provide additional opportunities for both quiet and group work—explore them all!

Take a break from class-related reading with a book from our Pop Lit section. Located on Level 1 of Olin, Pop Lit includes mysteries, thrillers, sci-fi and fantasy titles, graphic novels, and more.

Need more help? Still have questions? Stop by the Help Desk on Level 1 of Olin Library, or visit the Ask Us page on our website. 

Bonus Info

Website Overview

How to utilize the Libraries’ website to find the information and resources that you need.

Finding Affordable Textbooks

Learn more about finding affordable textbooks and visit this Resource Guide for additional details.https://libguides.wustl.edu/textbook_affordability

Visit the For Students page on the website with additional information about services and resources available for all students.