Olin Library

Olin Library is the largest of twelve libraries in WashU's library system and is an ideal study space for any student.

One of the most popular spots in Olin Library is Whispers Café. Since recent renovations finished in 2018, students love to catch up with friends, grab coffee, and do homework in the Whispers booths. Those looking for a quieter study space can also reserve a Group Study Room on the second floor of Olin Library for collaborative work on projects and assignments.

Media Gallery

Leandra

International & Area Studies Student '23

Libraries

📚 Libraries

Built on the principles of being open, engaging, and transformative, the Washington University Libraries are a network of resources for all students, faculty, and staff. In addition to the more than 5.5 million volumes across the 12 libraries, patrons also have access to group study rooms, audio/visual studios, copyright services, interlibrary loans, technology lending, and more!

You might find your favorite study spot in the East Asian Library, or stop for a nap in the Chem library. Check out our libraries website to learn more about the unique environments that each one has to offer.

Resources

In addition to providing access to books and a quiet place to study, students can utilize on-campus libraries for a variety of services such as A/V studio support, printing services, data services and subject librarians for research projects, and interlibrary loan support. Our libraries also provide access to multidisciplinary databases for journal articles and other digital resources for research.

Exhibitions

Visitors to the John M. Olin Library, and other University Libraries spaces, can experience museum-quality spaces and view a variety of exhibitions, many featuring holdings from Washington University Libraries’ Special Collections. Exhibition are free and open to all.

Permanent exhibitions include a rare printed copy of the Declaration of Independence on display at John M. Olin Library. This copy, known as the “Southwick Broadside,” printed by Solomon Southwick is one of only seven copies to survive and predates the signed copy on display in the National Archives.