Category Archives: Opening hours

REMINDER – Step into Winter vacation

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Close up of hedge with green and yellow leaves and bright red berries. There is some melting snow on the branches.

 

A reminder that the final date to request Closed Access items is 13:30 Thursday 18 December.

Whether you’re on-campus or heading home for the Winter Vacation, make sure you know about the upcoming changes to our opening hours and plan ahead!

 

When will the Library be open?

  • The Library will continue with semester opening times up until Friday 19 December, when we will be closing at midnight.
  • We will not be open on Saturday 20 or Sunday 21 December.
  • We will be open 08:30 – 19:00 on Monday 22 December and 08:30 – 17:00 on Tuesday 23 December.
  • We will be closed from Wednesday 24 December to Sunday 4 January for the University closure period.
  • From Monday 5 January to Friday 16 January, we re-open with vacation opening hours. Semester time service will resume from Saturday 17 January at 08:30.

When do I need to return my books?

You can borrow right up until the University closure period, but items may still be recalled. Please keep an eye on your University email account (and your Junk folder) for any recalls notices so that you can avoid fines.

What if I need something from Closed Access?

If you want items which are not on the open shelves before the Winter vacation, make sure that you get your requests in on time!

Closed Access items need to be requested before 13.30 Thursday 18 December.

Screenshot of the ‘Request from Closed Access’ button

Find the request button on the right of your screen on your PC. For mobile, select from the vertical dots.

Normal service will resume on Monday 5 January with our first Closed Access collection happening on Tuesday 6 January.

For more information and detailed instructions on how to make Closed Access and Store requests, check out the ‘Requesting items from Store and Closed Access‘ information page.

 

 

What study guidance is available over the University closure?

If you’re very keen to continue your studies during the University closure, Study Advice has some great tips on preparing for, and using, the winter break effectively. Plus our Subject guides and Study Advice guides are always available online to help you:

Keep on top of your studies but don’t forget to enjoy a well-deserved rest!

 

Wishing you all a happy and restful holiday season.

 

Your Library team

 

Row of gift boxes with ribbon sitting on a pile of snow against a silver and white sky

Image by Annette from Pixabay

Library closed Bank Holiday Monday

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The side of the Library building as the sun is setting.

The Library will be closed Monday 25 August for the Bank Holiday. Although the building may not be open, registered staff, students and Associate members can still access our wealth of e-resources, subject guides, and Study Advice resources 24/7.  

If you’re looking for a PC, don’t worry! PC labs are still available on campus for registered students.  

Needing to return a book? Just use the external Book Drop located to the right of the Library entrance and staff will collect it the next day. 

We will re-open on Tuesday 26 August at 08:30. 

 

Your Library Team 

Dive into summer vacation

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Plastic duck on a miniature deckchair reading a book in a sunny meadow

Whether you’re having a hard-earned break or keeping on top of your studies, the Library is still here for you. Image by Majaranda from Pixabay

With the end of the semester and the beginning of summer vacation just around the corner, there are a few changes taking place in the Library.

Opening hours

Semester 2 ends on Friday 13 June which means our opening hours will be changing too. Between 14 June – 21 September, we’ll be open between 08:30 – 17:00 during weekdays. The Library will be closed at the weekends except for our three Summer Saturdays on 12 July, 16 August and 20 September. If you’re returning Library materials outside of these hours, the external Book Drop is always open and can be found to the right of the main entrance.

 

Vacation loans

From 13 June, if you’re an undergraduate or taught postgraduate student, you can borrow items for the whole summer without needing to renew, as long as your course doesn’t end before 30 September 2025.

Borrowing for staff, research postgraduates, Associate and external users will not change, so please continue to keep an eye on your University email account and Library account to ensure you return or renew items on time and avoid fines.

If you’re unsure about your due dates, check your Library account or get in touch with us.

 

SCONUL access

If you’re heading home for the summer period, but would still like to access a local university library, why not consider the SCONUL access scheme? As long as you’re still a current student, you can apply to join and access university libraries throughout the UK and Ireland. More information can be found on the Library website or you could ask staff at the Welcome Desk in the Library.

 

Continued support from your Academic Liaison Librarian and the Study Advice Team

Although the Library opening hours may have changed, your Academic Liaison librarians and Study advisers are still here to support you over the summer. Why not book a 1-2-1 appointment or check out their range of resources on our website?

 

If you have any questions during the summer vacation, you can contact us at library@reading.ac.uk or call on 0118 378 8770.

Enjoy the summer!

Your Library Team

Cracking on with Spring vacation

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Two plastic chicks looking at each other with a blurred tree in the background.

Don’t just wing it. Flock to the Library and make sure you’re ready for the Spring vacation. Image by Alexa from Pixabay

 

The Spring vacation has arrived, and with it are some changes to our opening hours.  

 

When are we open?

Between Saturday 12 – Wednesday 16 April, we’ll be open at the following times:

  • Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 April: Closed 
  • Monday 14 – Tuesday 15 April: 08:30 – 19:00 
  • Wednesday 16 April: 08:30 – 17:00 

We’ll be closed between Thursday 17 – Monday 21 April for the University Spring closure period. 

Semester time Library opening hours will resume from 08:30 Tuesday 22 April.

 

When do you need to return your loans?

Loan periods and due dates will not change, so make sure you regularly check your Library account for individual return dates on your books.

Recall notices will be sent to your University email address so keep track, return your materials on time and avoid fines.

Library closed? You can return books 24/7 via the external Book Drop. If you do receive a recall notice and you can’t return the item in person, you can always return them by post.  

 

What are the last collection dates for Off-site Store and Closed Access?

Off-site Store and Closed Access collections will not take place during the University closure period, so please submit your requests on time.

Screenshot of the ‘Request from Closed Access’ button

If using a PC, select the grey button to the right of the screen.

  • Closed Access items need to be requested before 13:30 Tuesday 15 April.
  • Off-site Store items need to be requested before 08:30 Wednesday 16 April.

You’ll find the request button on the right of your screen on your PC. For mobile, select from the vertical dots.

 

What if you’re not on campus?

If you’re away from campus but still want access to a library space, you may be able to do so via the SCONUL access scheme. Make sure you apply before 13:00 Wednesday 16 April to guarantee membership before the University closure. 

 

If you have any questions, please get in touch.  

Your Library Team 

Winter vacation? Snow problem!

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A fluffed up robin in the snow

Worried about Winter vacation? Let us give you a bird’s eye view of how to prepare

Whether you’re on-campus or heading home for the Winter vacation, make sure you know about the upcoming changes to our opening hours and plan ahead! 

When will the Library be open? 

  • The Library will be operating on semester opening hours up until Friday 20 December. We will be closing at midnight on Friday 20 December. 
  • We will be closed 21 December to Sunday 5 January for the University closure period. 
  • From Monday 6 January to Friday 17 January, we re-open with reduced opening hours. Semester time service will resume from Saturday 18 January at 08:30. 

When do I need to return my books? 

You can borrow right up until the University closure period. Standard loans can be borrowed for up to 6 weeks, but items may still be recalled until Friday 13 December. Please keep an eye on your University email account (and your Junk folder) for any recalls notices so that you can avoid fines.  

During the University closure, you may still receive recall notices, but items will not be due back until we re-open on Monday 6 January. 

 

Last collections before University closure  

If you want items which are not on the open shelves before the Winter vacation, make sure that you get your requests in on time!  

  • Closed Access items need to be requested before 13.30 Thursday 19 December. 

Normal service will resume on Monday 6 January with our first Closed Access collection happening on Tuesday 7 January. 

For more information and detailed instructions on how to make Closed Access requests, check out the ‘Requesting items from Store and Closed Access‘ information page. 

 

Accessing online information 

If you’re very keen to continue your studies during the University closure don’t worry, our Subject guides and Study Advice guides are always available online. Or why not get a head start by: 

  • …exploring some of the ‘further’ or ‘suggested readings’ on your reading list. 

Keep on top of your studies but don’t forget to enjoy a well-deserved break!  

Happy Holidays to you all.  

 

Your Library team 

Brow wrapped parcel with sprig of holly on white background.

Using the Library over summer vacation

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With the end of term and the beginning of summer vacation, there are a few changes taking place in the Library.  

Library building on a clear sunny day with hedge in the foreground.Opening hours  

Summer term ended on Friday 7 June, which means our opening hours have now changed too. Between 8 June – 22 September, we’ll be open between 08:30 – 17:00 during weekdays. The Library will be closed at the weekends except for our three Summer Saturdays on 13 July, 17 August and 21 September. If you’re returning Library materials outside of these hours, the external Book Drop is always open and can be found to the right of the main entrance.  

 

Vacation loans  

If you’re an undergraduate or taught postgraduate student, you can borrow items for the whole summer without needing to renew, as long as your course doesn’t end before 24 September 2024.  

Borrowing for staff, research postgraduates, Associate and external users will not change, so please continue to keep an eye on your University email account and Library account to ensure you return or renew items on time and avoid fines. 

If you’re unsure about your due dates, check your Library account or get in touch with us. 

 

SCONUL access 

If you’re heading home for the summer period, but would still like to access a local university library, why not consider the SCONUL access scheme? As long as you’re still a current student, you can apply to join and access university libraries throughout the UK and Ireland. More information can be found on the Library website or you could ask staff at the Welcome Desk in the Library.  

 

Continued support from your Academic Liaison Librarian and the Study Advice Team  

Although the Library opening hours may have changed, your Academic Liaison librarians and Study advisors are still here to support you over the summer. Why not book a 1-2-1 appointment or check out their range of resources on our website?  

  

If you have any questions during the summer vacation, you can contact us at library@reading.ac.uk or call on 0118 378 8770.   

Enjoy the summer!  

Your Library Team 

 

Getting ready for Easter vacation

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Artificial chick on grass, surrounded by colourful eggs with ribbons

Before hatching plans for Easter vacation, make sure you’re prepared. Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

The Easter vacation is fast approaching, and so are changes to our opening hours.

 

When are we open?

Between Monday 25 March – Wednesday 27 March, we’ll be open at the following times:

  • Monday 25  March: Open until 19:00
  • Tuesday 26 March: 08:30 – 19:00
  • Wednesday 27 March: 08:30 – 17:00

We’ll be closed between Thursday 28 March – Tuesday 2 April for the University Easter closure period.

 

Term time Library opening hours will resume from 08:30 Wednesday 3 April.

Please see our opening hours page for details on opening times and information about our Summer term hours.

 

When do you need to return your loans?

Loan periods and due dates will not change, so make sure you regularly check your Library account for individual return dates on your books.

Recall notices will be sent to your University email address so keep track, return your materials on time and avoid fines.

Library closed? You can return books 24/7 via the external Book Drop. If you do receive a recall notice and you can’t return the item in person, you can always return them by post.

 

What are the last collection dates for Off-site Store and Closed Access?

Screenshot of the ‘Request from Closed Access’ button

You’ll find the request button on the right of your screen on your PC. For mobile, select from the vertical dots.

Off-site Store and Closed Access collections will not take place during the University closure period, so please submit your requests on time.

  • Closed Access items need to be requested before 13:30 Tuesday 26 March.
  • Off-site Store items need to be requested before 08:30 Wednesday 27 March.

 

What if you’re not on campus?

If you’re away from campus but still want access to a library space, you may be able to do so via the SCONUL access scheme. See Using other libraries for more information about other libraries you may be available to visit.

 

If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Your Library Team

Library is open Saturday 16 September

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Stay ahead of the term time rush and come and make the most of our final summer vacation Saturday opening.

On Saturday 16 September, we’re open 08:30 – 17:00 and our friendly staff will be on hand all day to answer your questions.

Student looking at laptop in study booth

Time to focus in one of our many study spaces

So, if you’d like to enjoy some quality study time, or maybe just browse and explore our resources before the busy autumn term kicks off, this is a date to put in your diary.

Looking for more specific help from a Library professional within your subject area? Visit our online guidance or make an appointment as we won’t be able to deal with specific one-to-one subject enquiries on the day.

Please be aware that the Library Café will not be open and the IT Service Desk will be working on Registration – further information about their service hours can be found on their webpages.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Your Library team

University of Reading June Open Days

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Library building on a clear sunny day with hedge in the foreground.

Make sure to drop by the Library during your Open Day visit!

The Library will be welcoming Open Day visitors on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 June. Have you registered yet? If not, make sure to head over to our Open Days webpage to find out more.    

Throughout our Open Days, prospective students and their families are encouraged to visit the Library building. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff and Student Ambassadors will be on hand to answer questions and queries and provide in-person tours. Self-guided tours are also available for those who want to explore at their own pace. 

 While you’re here, make sure you check out: 

  • Study spaces: Whether you’re collaborating on a group project or prefer to study alone, we have a range of spaces to suit your needs. From bookable group study rooms to silent study spaces, you can be sure of finding your new favourite spot. 
  • Wide range of print resources: Explore our vast selection of print books and journals spanning across three floors. 
  • Study Advice desk: Learn about our Study Advisers and how they can help you get better results and discover how our Academic Liaison Librarians can help with your subject-specific queries. 

If you need to refuel, don’t forget to stop at the Library Café before exploring the rest of our beautiful campus. 

Out of time but still want to see the Library? Watch one of our self-paced tours to learn more at your leisure. 

No matter what you choose to study, the Library is ready to welcome you. Come and visit and find out how to make the most of your studies at the University of Reading. 

We look forward to seeing you. 

  

  

Your Library Team  

Using the Library over summer vacation

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With the end of term and the beginning of summer vacation, there are a few changes coming to the Library. 

The Library building behind a green lawn

Opening hours 

Summer term will end on Friday 9 June, which means our opening hours will be changing too. Between 10 June – 17 September, we’ll be open between 08:30 – 17:00 during weekdays. The Library will be closed at the weekends except for our three Summer Saturdays on 15 July, 12 August and 16 September. If you’re returning Library materials outside of these hours, the external Book Drop is always open and can be found to the right of the main entrance. 

Vacation loans

If you’re an undergraduate or taught postgraduate student, you can borrow items for the whole summer without needing to renew, as long as your course doesn’t end before 26 September 2023. Find out more on our ‘Borrowing over the summer’ blog. 

Continued support from your Academic Liaison Librarian and the Study Advice Team 

Although the Library opening hours may have changed, your Academic Liaison librarians and Study advisors are still here to support you over the summer. Why not book a 1-2-1 appointment or check out the range of resources on our website? 

If you have any questions during the summer vacation, you can contact us at library@reading.ac.uk or call on 0118 378 8770.  

Enjoy the summer! 

 

 

Your Library Team 

Library open Bank Holiday Mondays

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Student studying in Library

Picture credit: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

The Library will be open as usual on 1 and 8 May during the Bank Holidays.

Our visitor restrictions remain in place for members of the public, but if you’re a Library member, you’ll still be able to access and borrow from our vast range of print materials using our Self-Service machines. If you’re looking for a study space, explore our 1500+ options to find your perfect spot. Our friendly staff will be available to answer your questions if you need advice and the Library Café will be open between 10:00 – 16:00 if you want a break.

While we won’t be able to deal with detailed subject queries on these days, you might find an answer on our Subject resources and guidance webpage and there’s useful exam preparation advice available online from our Study Advice Team.

Please be aware that the IT Service Desk will not be open on these dates.

 

We look forward to seeing you.

 

Your Library Team

 

 

 

 

Preparing for Easter closure

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Artificial chick surrounded by colourful eggs on a brown background

Egg-cited for the Easter vacation? Make sure you’re prepared. Image by Couleur from Pixabay

The Easter vacation is fast approaching, so make sure you know about the changes to the Library opening hours!

When are we open?

Between Monday 27 March – Wednesday 5 April, we’ll be open at the following times:

  • Monday 27 March: Open until 19:00
  • Tuesday 28 – Thursday 30 March: 08:30 – 19:00
  • Friday 31 March: 08:30 – 17:00
  • Saturday 1 April: 08:30 – 21:00
  • Sunday 2 April: Open from 08:30
  • Monday 3 – Tuesday 4 April: 24 hours
  • Wednesday 5 April: Open until Midnight

We’ll be closed between Thursday 6 April – Tuesday 11 April for the University Easter closure period.

Term time Library opening hours will resume from 08:30 Wednesday 12 April.

Please see our opening hours page for details on opening times and information about our Summer term hours.

 

When do you need to return your loans?

Loan periods and due dates will not be affected by the University closure, so make sure you regularly check your Library account for individual return dates on your books.

Recall notices will be sent to your University email address so keep track, return your materials on time and avoid fines.

Library closed? You can return books 24/7 via the external Book Drop. If you do receive a recall notice and you can’t return the item in person, you can always return them by post.

 

What are the last collection dates for Off-site Store and Closed Access?

Screenshot of the ‘Request from Closed Access’ button

You’ll find the request button on the right of your screen on your PC. For mobile, select from the vertical dots.

Off-site Store and Closed Access collections will not take place during the University closure period, so please submit your requests in good time.

  • Off-site Store items need to be requested before 08:30 Thursday 30 March.
  • Closed Access items need to be requested before 13:30 Wednesday 5 April. 

 

What if you’re not on campus? 

If you’re away from campus but still want access to a library space, you may be able to do so via the SCONUL access scheme. See Using other libraries for more information about other libraries you may be available to visit. 

 

If you have any questions, please get in touch. 

Your Library Team