Library and Learning Services

Opening hours

The Library's address and location can be found on the contact us page.

Details of support and services, available during vacations, 24/7 and out of hours can be found on the outside staffed hours page.

Library Access

  • Please ensure that you bring your Library/University ID card with you when you visit the Library as you will need it to swipe through the turnstiles.
  • The Library front doors are on swipe access between Midnight and 7.00am. During this time only current University of Leicester staff and students, with a valid University ID Card, can access the library. To gain entry, tap your card on the SALTO reader on the right-hand side front door.

Monday - Friday

The Library front doors are on swipe access between Midnight and 7.00am. Current UoL Staff and Students can still access the library during this time, by taping their University card on the SALTO Reader on the right hand side front door.

Library open: 24/7 

Library Staffed Services open:

  • Information Hub Desk: 8.00am - 7.00pm
  • Information Hub Phones: 10.00am - 4.00pm

University Security are present in the Library when Library Staffed Services are not available.

Access for external members is as follows:

  • College and sixth form students differs according to the time of year.
  • For all other external members including members of the public, alumni and SCONUL users, access is between 8.00am and midnight only.

Saturday - Sunday

The Library front doors are on swipe access between Midnight and 7.00am. Current UoL Staff and Students can still access the library during this time, by taping their University card on the SALTO Reader on the right hand side front door.

Library open: 24/7

Library staffed services open:

  • Information Hub Desk: 9.00am - 5.00pm
  • Information Hub Phones: 10.00am - 12.00pm, and 2.00pm - 4.00pm

University Security are present in the Library when Library Staffed Services are not available.

Access for external members is as follows:

  • College and sixth form students differs according to the time of year.
  • For all other external members including members of the public, alumni and SCONUL users, access is between 8.00am and midnight only.

Centre for Academic Achievement

Core Library Staffed Service Hours:

  • Monday to Friday, 10.00am - 4.00pm.

Out of hours appointments available upon request.

The Centre for Academic Achievement can also be used as a quiet study space between 8am and Midnight. Outside of these hours the Centre for Academic Achievement is closed.

Special Collections Reading Room

Monday: Closed

Tuesday to Friday: 10.00am - 4.45pm

Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Archives and Special Collections material can be consulted in the Reading Room by appointment during our opening hours. Advance booking is essential. Please contact [email protected] to arrange an appointment. Remote appointments may be available for some material.

Christmas opening hours

Library closure days and times

  • Christmas Day (25 December 2026)
  • Boxing Day (26 December 2026)
  • New Year's Day (1 January 2027)

The library will also be closed:

  • Between 9.00pm on the 24 December 2026 and reopen at 8.00am on the 27 December 2026
  • Between 9.00pm on the 31 December 2026 and reopen at 8.00am on the 2 January 2027

Other than the above days/times above the Library* will be open 24/7 throughout the Christmas period.

Staffed services*

  • Library staffed services will end at 5.00pm on 23 December 2026 and resume at 8.00am on 4 January 2027.  During this time University Security will be present instead
  • Archives and Special collections, and the Centre for Academic Achievement will be closed between 24 December 2024 up to and including 4 January 2025.
  • Normal services will resume on Monday 5 January 2026.

If you need help

Please note, during the weekend Information Hub staff are available to facilitate access to the Library and its facilities, as well as answer your enquiries during staffed hours. Staff will always do their best to resolve a query, however some issues may not be able to be resolved on weekends. In such cases, staff will provide advice and direct individuals to the most appropriate team or service for further support. 

You can visit the Information Hub on the ground floor of the library or contact staff by: 

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