.jpg)
Visit
Scroll to content
Creating inclusive environments and experiences that bring people together. Breaking down barriers and opening up our services and resources to local and global communities.
The library building is sited on Alexandra Square, at the heart of the campus. It is open to members of the University and for public access.
We are open 24 hours and 7 days a week during term time, with reduced hours during vacation periods. The library building provides open access for all to use our print collections and study spaces. Community members can join the library to borrow from our print collections.
Access to the building is restricted for Lancaster University members in the evening and overnight and requires a University card for door entry. Staff and students can also book study spaces in advance of their visit from our booking page.
Library floors and noise
- A Floor: collaborative and conversation
- B Floor: self-guided but considerate. Reading room: silent
- C Floor: Silent
Please take note of the noise level expectations when visiting the Library and be mindful of those studying around you.
Linked icons
A virtual tour of our Library
Hi we’re Shannon and Luke and we’re both 3rd year students at Lancaster University. We’ve put together a virtual tour of our library, showcasing the wide range of study spaces, resources, and specialist areas for support and collaboration in research and learning. Many of the images below were taken by ourselves.
Click on the arrows below the images to navigate through different areas of the library.
Library entrance
The entrance to the library is located in Alexandra Square.
The Safepod - A Floor
The Safepod is a place for researchers to view sensitive documents in a secure location. The SafePod must be booked in advance to use.
Below Reading Room- A floor
A study space characterised by individual desks separated with green dividers and excellent charging points. The area has a quieter noise level compared to other spaces on A floor.
Group study space by the living wall - A Floor
Quiet discussion is allowed within this area meaning it is good for group work, with accessible desks and built-in plug sockets. The desk area is located in front of the living wall proving green views whilst working in this section.
The Living wall - A floor
Beautiful walls of living green plants are located in the new library extension (which opened in 2021) on A floor, B floor and C floor. These walls represent the proud green and sustainable message of our university.
Event Space - A floor
The event space can be booked by students and staff alike. They are used for a range of events, including supporting research activity and the Library's EDI and recognition events such as Black History Month, Holocaust Memorial Day, Pride Month and so much more.
Study room - A floor
This is one of the many study rooms that are located on each floor of the library. They are spacious and come with charging ports, with many containing digital screens. They must be booked out in advance for up to 3 hours at a time for studying or group work.
Laptop Borrowing - A floor
This image captures one of our ambassadors borrowing a laptop. These can be borrowed for up to 3 hours at a time and are extremely helpful when your laptop runs out of charge or if you don't have access to one!
Leisure Reading Space- A floor
This area contains some of the best fiction and non-fiction books in the library (in our opinion). The comfy chairs provide a truly relaxing environment when diving into a book.
Norma - A floor
This is Norma, our wonderful tree which sits in the heart of our library. She is many things, but importantly she sits as a reminder of the green and sustainable message of Lancaster. It is also a favourite spot among many students and staff alike.
Learning Development - B floor
This is the space for our Faculty Librarian and Learning Development Team. In either group study sessions or individual workshops these teams provide academic support at all levels.
B Floor View from the stairs
This image provides an excellent view of the new library extension completed in 2021.
Balconies portrait view from C floor
A Birds-eye view of the library.
C floor Bins
We felt it important to highlight the sustainable message of Lancaster in this short image tour of our library. Sustainability and 'Green Lancaster' is something that the Library and University is something that the library and university hold dear and strive to maintain.
C floor extension
This vast study space is popular among library users who enjoy a silent environment to work in. Furthermore, the area also contains another thriving living wall and chargers in every study space.
C floor plant wall
This is a close-up image of the living wall on C floor. The area has comfy chairs to suit the chill vibes that this area brings to C floor. It is a really beautiful area to study in.
.jpg)
Postgraduate study area
Our postgraduate students are privy to their own exclusive room on C floor of the Library. This new area is a modern space and requires you to swipe your student id to enter.
Joining the library
The library is open to all for access and borrowing from our print collections. Staff and students automatically become members upon joining the University and have full access to our print and digital collections. Find out more about access for alumni, NHS members and public access, including free community membership.
Further information about joining the library