University Library

The University Library, designed by architect Walter Netsch, has served as the main Evanston campus library since 1970. With approximately 800,000 visitors annually, the Main Library is one of the busiest buildings on Northwestern’s Evanston campus.

Visit the library

Location

1970 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208

Building maps

View hours for the University Library entrances and service desks.

Collections and services

University Library contains the bulk of the Library’s holdings and houses several notable departments and collections, including:

In addition, circulation, reference and interlibrary loan librarians are available to help researchers.

Library spaces

The John P. McGowan Information Commons and other computer labs offer workstations and technology for research and projects. Students can reserve space in study rooms for group work and team projects.

Computer labs and printers
Study rooms and carrels
Café Bergson with service by BrewBike. See Café service hours.

Library architecture

For more information about architect, Walter Netsch, visit our Walter Netsch website featuring an online bibliography, biography, chronology, images and links to more information about Netsch and his work. Copies of the book, Walter A. Netsch, FAIA: A Critical Appreciation and Sourcebook, are held in the Northwestern University Libraries collection and available for purchase through the Northwestern University Press.