University College Library
The UC Library's physical space is closed for the summer (re-opening Monday Sept. 11, 2023). But you can still request UC Library books and pick them up at Robarts Library, UTM Library, or UTSC Library. (More information: Borrowing books.)
The UC Library's new location is a revitalized heritage space on the south side of the UC building which was the original home of the UC Library in the 19th century. To get to the UC Library while the south entrances of University College are blocked due to construction, please see below.
The UC Library may currently be used by:
• U of T students, faculty, staff, and alumni
• UTS students
• external researchers who have purchased a U of T library card
Members of the public who would like to enter briefly to see our revitalized heritage space are welcome to do so.
- Starting in late September 2022, the south entrances to University College are blocked due to construction for the U of T Landmark Project. During this period, the building's NORTH entrances, including an accessible entrance, are open both weekdays and weekends. A west entrance and an east entrance are open weekdays only. For a diagram showing the location of each of these entrances, see Hours, Location & Contact.
- The UC Library has study tables in book-lined alcoves; a mezzanine with comfy armchairs; and two bookable group-study rooms.
- We have special sections for Bestsellers (fiction and non-fiction), for Graphic Novels, and for books about Writing & Academic Skills.
- Many of our academic books are related to the UC-affiliated programs: Canadian Studies; Cognitive Science; Drama, Theatre & Performance Studies; Health Studies; Sexual Diversity Studies; and UC One: Engaging Toronto.
- When you browse our shelves, watch for these neon labels:
- "Award Winner"
- "Staff Pick" or "Librarian's Pick" or "Faculty Pick"
- "UC Author" (books written by faculty or alumni of University College)
How can we help you?
Browse Our Books
Bestsellers
Need a study break? Check out our popular Bestsellers section (fiction and non-fiction paperbacks).
Award-Winning Books
Interested in award-winning fiction, non-fiction, plays, or poetry? We have hundreds of award-winning books for over twenty literary prizes -- both Canadian prizes (Giller, Governor General's, etc.) and international ones (Booker, Pulitzer, etc.).
Graphic Novels
Like graphic novels? We have lots -- plus some interesting books about graphic novels.
Browse our Graphic Novels section in the U of T Library Catalogue.
Writing, Academic Skills & Careers
A browsable section of books on how to write; academic skills like research and studying; and careers. You can borrow almost all of these books.
Browse our books about writing, academic skills and careers in the U of T Library Catalogue.
Staff Picks
Looking for an interesting read? Why not try a book recommended by one of our UC library assistants?
Books by UC Authors
There are hundreds of authors among University College alumni and faculty.
Purdy Collection
About 3,000 Canadian literature books which once belonged to the Canadian poet, Al Purdy (by appointment only; please contact the UC Librarian).
Browse the Purdy Collection in the U of T Library Catalogue.
About UC History
- UC history in pictures (images from the 1850s to the 1980s)
- UC history in quotes (memories of life at UC)
- Books about UC history
Our study space offers:
- study tables in book-lined alcoves
- a mezzanine with comfy armchairs
- two bookable group-study rooms
- stained glass windows and other lovely heritage features
- power and USB plugs throughout the library
- wifi
Accessibility
An important aspect of the University College Revitalization project was improving accessibility:
- There's now an accessible ramped entrance at the southwest corner of the building (near the Cadario Conference Centre in Croft Chapter House).
- New ramps within the building lead from the accessible entrance to a new elevator, located near the building's main entrance on the south side of the building.
- The elevator leads to two entrances to the UC Library: our main entrance on the second floor of the College (room 266) and an entrance to our mezzanine (room 366), on the third floor of UC.