Visiting the libraries
Welcome to Leiden University Libraries!
Patrons holding a library account and personal LU-Card (library card) may access the libraries and use most of the library study places. Please note that some access regulations, and regulations regarding the use of study places, apply throughout.
Exam period: 15 May - 5 June 2023
In these busy exam weeks, nearly all library study places are available to Leiden University students only. Study places need to be booked in advance. For some user groups, access restrictions apply.
An annual fee card or a free library card allows you to borrow materials from the various UBL library locations, and use in-house library materials.
Visitors not eligible for a free library card, who wish to consult library materials for up to one week, can buy a day/week pass at the library desk.
To find reading room books and other materials in open shelving: after having found an open-stacks item in the catalogue, click on the 'Locate'-option to see where it is located. Loanable items can also be requested using the catalogue.
All static archives created by Leiden University are kept in the University Library. Visitors seeking to consult only University archives materials at the Reading Room Special Collections, do not need a library card. Please report to the University Library reception desk when visiting.