Snell Library Hours 2025 | Northeastern University Boston

Quick Facts

Last Updated: December 2025 | Verified by Library Hours 24 Team

Snell Library serves as the academic hub for Northeastern University's 20,000+ students at the heart of Boston's Fenway neighborhood. Located at 360 Huntington Avenue, Snell combines extensive study spaces, over 1 million volumes, and convenient MBTA Green Line access (Northeastern station steps away) to create an ideal environment for research, collaboration, and late-night study sessions that extend until 2am Sunday-Thursday during the semester.

What makes Snell distinctive is its integration with Northeastern's renowned co-op program - students alternate between academic semesters and six-month professional work experiences, meaning Snell must serve both traditional students and those preparing for co-op interviews, researching companies, and working on industry projects. The library's tiered noise levels by floor (collaborative ground floor, quiet 2nd floor, silent 3rd-4th floors) allow students to choose their ideal study atmosphere, while extensive group study rooms support the teamwork essential to Northeastern's experiential learning model.

During finals weeks (December and April-May), Snell transitions to 24-hour operation, joining the ranks of elite university libraries offering round-the-clock access. The building's modern architecture, abundant natural light, technology-rich study spaces, and proximity to Boston's cultural institutions (Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Fenway Park all within 15 minutes) make Snell more than just a library - it's Northeastern's intellectual gathering place where students tackle problem sets, prepare presentations, and fuel Boston's innovation ecosystem.

2AM
Closes Sun-Thu (Semester)
24/7
Finals Weeks
1M+
Volumes
Green Line
Northeastern Stop

⏰ Snell Library Hours 2025

📅 Regular Semester Hours (September - May)

Monday - Thursday7:30 AM - 2:00 AM
Friday7:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM - 2:00 AM

Extended Evening Hours: Snell stays open until 2am Sunday-Thursday during the academic semester, providing crucial late-night study access without full 24/7 operation during regular weeks.

🌙 Finals Week - 24 HOUR ACCESS

During finals weeks (typically 1-2 weeks in December and April-May):

Snell Library operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - never closing. Students can access study spaces, check out materials, and use all facilities at any hour. Husky Card (Northeastern student ID) required for entry during overnight hours (midnight-7:30am). Café hours don't extend to 24hrs - bring snacks for late-night study.

☀️ Summer & Break Hours (Reduced)

Summer sessions and semester breaks:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

No extended evening hours or 24hr access during breaks. Call 617-373-2350 to confirm current summer hours.

📍 Location & Access

Snell Library
360 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115

🚇 MBTA Access (EXTREMELY CONVENIENT):

  • Green Line E: Exit at Northeastern station - library entrance literally 30 seconds from T stop. Most convenient option!
  • Orange Line: Exit at Ruggles station, 5-minute walk down Columbus Ave to Huntington, turn right
  • From downtown: Green Line E toward Heath Street, exit Northeastern (15 minutes from Park Street)
  • CharlieCard: $2.40 per ride or use contactless credit card

🚗 Parking (DIFFICULT): Limited metered street parking on Huntington/surrounding streets. Northeastern parking garages require permits. Use public transit - Snell's Green Line access makes driving unnecessary.

🔒 Access: Snell is primarily for Northeastern students/faculty/staff. Husky Card checked after 6pm and during finals. Daytime visitors welcome for research but borrowing restricted to Northeastern affiliates.

📚 Tiered Study Floors: Find Your Perfect Noise Level

Ground Floor (1st Floor) - COLLABORATIVE ZONE 👥

Noise Level: Talking encouraged, group work welcome

Best For: Team projects, co-op interview prep groups, study groups, collaborative problem sets

Features:

  • Open seating areas with movable furniture
  • Group study rooms (book online)
  • Café nearby for coffee runs
  • Whiteboards and monitors
  • Perfect for Northeastern's teamwork-heavy courses

2nd Floor - QUIET STUDY 🔇

Noise Level: Minimal noise, whispers OK, no conversations

Best For: Individual study with some ambient noise tolerance, reading, light focus work

Features:

  • Individual study desks
  • Computer workstations
  • Reference collections nearby
  • Balance between silent and collaborative

3rd & 4th Floors - SILENT STUDY 🤫

Noise Level: STRICTLY SILENT - no talking, no phone calls, no noise

Best For: Deep focus, exam prep, thesis writing, absolute concentration needed

Features:

  • Enforced silence policy
  • Individual study carrels
  • Natural light from windows
  • Perfect for finals week cramming
  • Library staff enforce quiet rules

During finals, even "quiet" floors become more silent as everyone needs maximum focus.

👥 Group Study Rooms - Essential for Co-op Students

📅 Booking & Availability

Snell Library offers extensive group study rooms perfect for:

  • Co-op Interview Prep: Mock interviews with career center materials
  • Project Teams: Engineering, business, design projects
  • Study Groups: Collaborative exam prep
  • Presentations: Practice with monitors/projectors

How to Book:

  1. Visit Northeastern Library website
  2. Log in with Husky Card credentials
  3. Select date/time (2-hour slots during peak times)
  4. Check in at room with Husky Card

Room Features:

  • Whiteboards for brainstorming/problem-solving
  • Monitors for laptop connection (HDMI cables)
  • Tables for 4-8 people
  • Doors for privacy
  • Power outlets for all devices

Booking Tips: Reserve 1-2 weeks in advance during midterms/finals. Cancellations open up day-of - check frequently. Respect time limits so others can use rooms.

💼 Snell Library & Northeastern's Co-op Program

🎯 Resources for Co-op Students

Northeastern's signature co-op program (students alternate 6-month work experiences with semesters) makes Snell unique among university libraries:

  • Company Research: Business databases (Bloomberg, S&P Capital IQ) for researching co-op employers
  • Industry Reports: Market research for understanding co-op sectors
  • Interview Prep Spaces: Book group rooms for mock interviews
  • Career Resources: Books on resumes, networking, professional skills
  • Project Support: During co-op, students often work on projects requiring library research

Snell librarians offer specialized research consultations for co-op students preparing applications, researching companies, or working on co-op projects.

💻 Technology & Services

🖥️ Computer & Tech Resources

  • WiFi: Northeastern wireless network (MyNortheastern login)
  • Computer Labs: 100+ workstations with software (Microsoft Office, MATLAB, Adobe Creative Suite)
  • Printing: Pay-per-page printing/copying (add funds via Husky Card)
  • Laptop Checkout: Short-term laptop loans for Northeastern students
  • Charging Stations: Outlets throughout - bring laptop chargers
  • Scanning: Free document scanning

📚 Collections & Research Support

  • 1 Million+ Volumes: Books, journals, media across all disciplines
  • Course Reserves: Required readings professors place "on reserve"
  • Special Collections: Archives and rare materials
  • Database Access: 500+ research databases
  • Research Consultations: Book appointments with subject librarians
  • Citation Help: Assistance with APA, MLA, Chicago formatting

🌆 Snell's Boston Advantage

📍 Prime Location Benefits

Snell Library's Huntington Avenue location puts students at the center of Boston's cultural corridor:

  • Museum of Fine Arts: 5-minute walk (student discounts available)
  • Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: 10-minute walk (free with NEU ID on specific days)
  • Symphony Hall: 8-minute walk (Boston Symphony student rush tickets)
  • Fenway Park: 15-minute walk (Red Sox games, tours)
  • Longwood Medical Area: 10 minutes (co-op opportunities at Harvard Medical, Brigham & Women's, etc.)
  • Back Bay: 3 Green Line stops to Copley, Newbury Street shopping

Study break ideas: MFA galleries, Gardner Museum courtyard, Fenway walk, Newbury Street coffee shops.

📞 Contact Information

📍 Snell Library

Address: 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115

Phone: 617-373-2350

Email: library@northeastern.edu

Website: library.northeastern.edu

🕒 Hours Information

Semester: Mon-Thu 7:30am-2am, Fri 7:30am-10pm, Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-2am

Finals: 24 hours (check website)

Summer/Breaks: Reduced hours

Holiday Closures: Check online calendar

👥 Study Room Booking

System: Online via library website

Login: Husky Card credentials required

Advance Booking: Up to 2 weeks

Time Limits: 2 hours during peak times

🚇 Getting Here

Best Transit: Green Line E to Northeastern stop

Alternative: Orange Line to Ruggles (5-min walk)

From Airport: Blue to Government Center, switch to Green E

Fare: $2.40 CharlieCard or contactless

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are Snell Library's hours?

A: During semester: Mon-Thu 7:30am-2am, Fri 7:30am-10pm, Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-2am. During finals weeks: 24 hours. Summer/breaks: reduced daytime hours. Call 617-373-2350 for current hours.

Q: Is Snell Library open 24 hours?

A: Yes, during finals weeks (typically 1-2 weeks in December and April-May). During regular semester, Snell closes at 2am Sunday-Thursday, 10pm Friday-Saturday. Not 24/7 year-round but offers very extended hours serving late-night study needs.

Q: Which floors are silent study?

A: 3rd and 4th floors are SILENT STUDY with strictly enforced quiet policies. 2nd floor is quiet study (whispers OK). Ground floor is collaborative (talking permitted). Choose your floor based on noise tolerance and study needs.

Q: How do I book a group study room?

A: Visit Northeastern Library website, log in with Husky Card credentials, select date/time for available rooms. Book 1-2 weeks in advance during midterms/finals. 2-hour time limits during peak demand. Rooms include whiteboards and monitors.

Q: Can non-Northeastern students use Snell Library?

A: Daytime visitors welcome for research, but borrowing and some spaces restricted to Northeastern affiliates. After 6pm and during finals, Husky Card required. For public library access in Boston, visit Boston Public Library at Copley Square (Green Line).

Q: How do I get to Snell Library by T?

A: Green Line E to Northeastern station - library entrance 30 seconds from T stop! Extremely convenient. From downtown: Green E toward Heath Street, exit Northeastern (15 minutes). Alternative: Orange Line to Ruggles, 5-minute walk. $2.40 CharlieCard fare.

🎯 Make Snell Library Your Study Hub

Whether you're preparing for co-op interviews, collaborating on engineering projects, or pulling late-night study sessions until 2am, Snell Library provides the resources, spaces, and support Northeastern students need to succeed. The library's tiered noise floors ensure you can always find your ideal study environment - from collaborative ground floor teamwork to silent 4th floor focus.

Pro tips: Arrive early during finals (library fills by 10am), book group study rooms 1-2 weeks in advance, use 3rd/4th floors for absolute silence, take advantage of Green Line convenience (Northeastern stop literally at the door). During 24-hour finals weeks, bring snacks since café doesn't operate overnight.

For current hours during breaks, group study room availability, or research consultations, call 617-373-2350 or visit library.northeastern.edu.

Verified Info: Our team personally contacts libraries to verify hours. Data last confirmed: December 2025

Common Questions About Snell Libraries

What time do libraries open in Snell?

Most public libraries in Snell open at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM on weekdays. Weekend hours typically start at 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Academic and university libraries may open earlier, around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM during the semester.

Are Snell libraries open on weekends?

Yes, most Snell public libraries are open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday hours vary by location, with many libraries operating reduced hours (12:00 PM to 5:00 PM) or remaining closed.

Do I need a library card to visit Snell libraries?

No, you can visit and use library facilities without a card. However, borrowing books, accessing computers, and using certain services require a free library card. Residents can get one with valid ID and proof of address.

Why This Page? We aggregate and verify library hours from official sources so you do not have to visit multiple websites. Data updated monthly.