The Bancroft Library welcomes researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, from California, and from around the world. We are a non-circulating library and archives, so researchers must consult all materials in our reading room.
Bancroft Library researchers must be at least 18 years old, or have graduated from high school, or be accompanied by an adult.
Please check The Bancroft Library's website for unanticipated closures especially during fire season. The Bancroft Library's status may differ from other libraries on campus. Click here for Bancroft's open hours.
Reference and Research Queries
Bancroft staff are available to assist you with reference and basic research inquiries about our collections. You can reach us in these ways:
Please note: Email is the best way to reach us if you are off campus.
If you are located out of the area and need a researcher to work on your behalf, please contact staff at the email address above and we can provide a list of independent researchers who are available for hire.
To request materials for classes and seminars, please contact our Information and Instruction Specialist to arrange materials for your visit. Do not submit your requests via Aeon.
Public Transit and Parking
If you are coming to visit The Bancroft Library, we recommend that you take public transportation as parking on campus is limited to those with permits and off-campus parking can be hard to find and expensive.
The easiest way to visit campus is to take a Richmond line BART train to the Downtown Berkeley station. The Bancroft Library is a half-mile walk uphill from the main entrance on Shattuck and Center streets. Please see the map below for detailed walking directions.
For driving directions and on-campus parking information, please consult UC Berkeley Visitor Services. There is metered and non-metered street parking around the campus. The City of Berkeley strictly enforces parking restrictions. UC Berkeley maintains a list of off-campus parking garages.
Disabled Parking
There are limited parking accommodations on campus for drivers displaying legal disabled parking permits. On-campus parking requires a UCB parking permit in addition to a state-issued disabled parking placard. Please consult the UCB Parking and Transportation website and the Campus Access Guide for further information.
Lodging
Berkeley has many options for lodging. You can also find alternatives in Oakland, Emeryville, and San Francisco, which are all reachable by public transportation or car. We strongly advise that you make your lodging reservations prior to your visit.
Dining
There are many dining options, both on and off campus.
