Visiting the libraries
Welcome to Leiden University Libraries!
Leiden University Libraries (UBL) has several library locations. Visitors 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: 2 December - 26 January
In the busy exam weeks, nearly all library study places need to be booked in advance. Only Leiden University students can book study places. For some visitor groups, access restrictions apply.
An annual fee card or a free library card allows visitors 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 only, can buy a day/week pass at the library desk.
Reading room books and other materials in open shelving, all show a 'Locate' button in the catalogue. After having found an open stacks item in the catalogue, click on the 'Locate'-option to see where it can be fetched. 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 refer to the University Library reception desk when visiting.