Last spring, when Shannon Library (formerly "Alderman Library") opened to the public, the Cavalier Daily declared it “the new place to be on Grounds.” While we are honored by the distinction and thrilled to see Shannon already packed with students this semester, we’d want to make sure our users know that there are five other Library locations on Grounds, filled with books, resources, and quiet study spaces!
Learn more about UVA Library’s six locations below and pick up a sticker (see above) when you visit!
Charles L. Brown Science & Engineering Library
Located in Clark Hall, Brown Library holds materials in astronomy, biology, chemistry, math, physics, and psychology and has reservable spaces for collaborative study. StatLab can provide help with statistics and data wrangling, and don’t miss the stunning murals in the library’s atrium!
Special tip for researchers: Brown Library houses specialized research support — including Subject Liaison Librarians for the Sciences and Engineering and Research Data Services, where you can find support for data analysis and statistical methods and the computational data sciences.
Clemons Library
Popular with students for abundant, 24-hour study space and media-related materials, Clemons is one of the busiest libraries on Grounds. Its Robertson Media Center provides cutting-edge technology in virtual reality, 3D printing, audio and video spaces, and support for media creation of every kind.
Fine Arts Library
The Fiske Kimball Fine Arts Library holds collections for architecture, art history, archaeology, and classics. Study spaces include a large open area on the main floor and study carrels and tables on the second floor.
Special tip for instructors: The Fine Arts Library’s R Lab, a space dedicated to collaborative work, has special reservation options for graduate students and faculty.
Harrison Institute/Small Special Collections Library
The Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library holds more than 16 million objects including manuscripts, rare books, photographs, recordings, and more. Harrison/Small is also home to exhibitions on the main and lower floors. Later this fall, look for “Anne Spencer: I Am Here” in the main gallery.
Music Library
The Music Library has one of the most significant music collections in the southeastern United States and includes more than 135,000 books, scores, and sound recordings, as well as extensive online collections. Study spaces include the large, unique main floor, as well as study carrels on the lower level.
The Edgar Shannon Library
UVA’s main library building, Shannon Library, underwent a major renovation from 2020-24, and reopened in January. The building offers an open layout, natural light, more than 1,400 seats for study, as well as the Scholars’ Lab and Makerspace, open to all members of the UVA population. The McGregor (“Harry Potter”) Room is located on the second floor.
Special tips for grad students/faculty: Shannon houses our Subject Liaison Librarians for the Humanities as well as a seminar room that can be used for classes and special events. Shannon also has a large lounge and kitchenette exclusively for graduate students.
