Harvard Widener Library
Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library • Harvard University
Library Hours
Note: Hours may vary during exams, holidays, and summer sessions. Check Harvard Library website for current hours.
About Harvard Widener Library
Harvard Widener Library is the centerpiece of the Harvard Library system and one of the world's largest university libraries. Built as a memorial to Harry Elkins Widener, Class of 1907, who perished aboard the Titanic, the library houses over 3.5 million books and serves as the primary research library for Harvard University.
The iconic neoclassical building, completed in 1915, features the largest university library collection in the United States. Widener Library is home to extensive research collections across humanities, social sciences, and area studies, making it an essential resource for scholars worldwide.
The library's ten floors house rare books, manuscripts, and special collections, including the Harry Elkins Widener Collection and the Theodore Roosevelt Collection. Multiple reading rooms provide diverse study environments for undergraduate and graduate students.
Services & Collections
📚 Research Collections
- Humanities and social sciences
- Area studies collections
- Government documents
- Digital collections
📖 Reading Rooms
- Loker Reading Room
- Undergraduate study spaces
- Graduate research areas
- Group study rooms
🔍 Research Support
- Reference assistance
- Subject librarians
- Research consultations
- Interlibrary loans
💻 Technology
- Computer workstations
- Printing and scanning
- Wi-Fi throughout
- Digital research tools
Access & Policies
👥 Who Can Access
- Harvard Students: Full access with Harvard ID
- Harvard Faculty/Staff: Full borrowing privileges
- Harvard Alumni: Limited access with HAA card
- Visiting Researchers: By appointment only
📋 Entry Requirements
- Valid Harvard ID required
- Bags subject to inspection
- No food or drinks (except water)
- Silent zones enforced
📚 Borrowing Policies
- Most books circulate for 28 days
- Renewals available online
- Reserve materials vary
- Special collections non-circulating
🎯 Study Spaces
- Quiet study areas
- Collaborative spaces
- Individual carrels
- 24-hour study room (Loker)
Notable Collections
Harry Elkins Widener Collection
Rare books and manuscripts collected by Harry Elkins Widener, including first editions and literary treasures housed in the Widener Memorial Room.
Theodore Roosevelt Collection
Comprehensive collection of materials by and about Theodore Roosevelt, including personal papers, photographs, and memorabilia.
Harvard University Archives
Historical records of Harvard University, including institutional records, faculty papers, and student publications dating back to 1636.
Government Documents
Extensive collection of U.S. federal documents, United Nations publications, and international government materials.
Contact Information
Harvard Widener Library
Harvard Yard
Cambridge, MA 02138
Getting There
Red Line to Harvard Square, 5-minute walk to Harvard Yard
Limited parking on campus. Use public parking garages in Harvard Square
Bike racks available throughout Harvard Yard