Penn Libraries

06/05/2026

A number of periodicals cropped up in 1920s Cairo that offered artistic critique, gossip, and cultural commentary. Check out some of the examples in our collection.

A number of periodicals cropped up in 1920s Cairo that offered artistic critique, gossip, and cultural commentary.

06/03/2026

Summer is here, so why not plan your research trip to visit the Kislak Center? Our collections have a wide scope ranging from 12th century manuscript fragments from the Cairo Genizah, to the records of local institutions like the Philadelphia Orchestra, and everything in between. Just be sure to make your appointment via email at least 24 hour in advance.

Find out about visiting the Kislak Center Reading Room to use our materials. https://www.library.upenn.edu/kislak/kislak-center-reading-room

06/01/2026

Looking for something to do this month? Check out these events happening at the Penn Libraries:

JUNE 2: Hear from author Emily Sneff about how the Declaration was communicated to people in the new nation and around the Atlantic world.
JUNE 3: In this advanced bookbinding course, learn about Bradel Binding and in-boards binding techniques.
JUNE 4: At this week’s Coffee with a Codex, Dot Porter will bring out Ms. Codex 2141, a 16th century collection of approximately 20 prayers with calligraphic ornamentation.
JUNE 11: Take a virtual trip to Rochester, New York and get a look at 15th c. copy of Sacrobosco’s De sphaera mundi (On the Sphere of the World) from the Cary Graphic Arts Collection.
JUNE 18: Hop on Zoom to get a peek inside one of the Penn Libraries rare books, the Penitential Psalms in French, written in the 17th century.
JUNE 24-26: Attending the Association for Computers and the Humanities conference? The Penn Libraries will serve as a Regional Hub for the conference, providing a space for participants to network and watch the virtual conference sessions.

Visit our website to register for these events and more. https://www.library.upenn.edu/events

05/29/2026

The library is here for the Penn community all year long! This summer you can:

✔️ Browse our bestsellers display to find the perfect beach read.

✔️ Print your very own copy of the Declaration of Independence at the Common Press Studio.

✔️ Check out a cookbook to help you plan your cookout.

✔️ Dig into your dissertation research by making an appointment at the Kislak Center.

✔️ Borrow a great ebook or audiobook from Libby to take with you on vacation.

05/27/2026

We're operating with reduced hours over the summer, but we still want you to visit! Here's when our three most popular libraries are open:

Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center: 8:30am-6pm Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm weekends
Fisher Fine Arts Library: 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, closed weekends.
Holman Biotech Commons: 8am-10pm Mon-Fri, 12pm-6pm Sundays, Closed Saturdays.

Go to www.library.upenn.edu/hours to find the hours for your favorite library location.

05/25/2026

Got summer classes? It's time to lock in at the library.

The Penn Libraries can help you succeed in your summer classes just like we do during the rest of the year. Borrow books, access online resources, study in our 15+ libraries, get advice from our librarians, and more!

Visit our website to start your summer journey.

05/22/2026

Graduation doesn’t mean the end of your journey with the Penn Libraries! We offer 3 tiers of access to all alums of degree-granting programs:

Alumni PennKey (free)
✨ Visit us on most weekdays
✨ See exhibits and attend special events
✨ Access a selection of journals and databases from home

Alumni PennCard ($30 every 10 years)
✨ Visit us anytime we’re open
✨ Access a selection of journals and databases from home, and even more from on site
✨ Use library computer labs

Courtesy Borrower Card ($200 per year)
✨ Get all the benefits of Alumni PennCard holders
✨ Borrow and take home books owned by the Penn Libraries!

Visit www.library.upenn.edu to get all the details.

05/20/2026

Looking for something new to watch, read, or listen to this month? Check out one of these book or film recommendations from Penn Libraries staff:

📖 Not Quite Not White by Sharmila Sen
🎧 The Raven Thief by Gigi Pandian
📖 When the Hibiscus Falls by M. Evelina Galang
🎥 Bad Axe, IFC films
📖 The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen

Borrow ebooks and audiobooks using Libby or check out physical copies from the Featured Books display in Van Pelt Library, all at no cost to the Penn community! Just search find.library.upenn.edu to discover all your access options.

05/15/2026

The more things change, the more things stay the same...

Welcome to campus, Penn Alumni! Here’s a look at some library spaces throughout the years, and what those same spaces look like today.