Queen's University Library has a long history of supporting learning, both through its collections and the learning spaces it provides students. Here are just a few of the special spots you can enjoy in our libraries.
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Stauffer Library
Alan G Green Fireplace Reading Room
The Alan G Green Fireplace Reading Room, located on the second floor of Stauffer Library, provides a quiet study space filled with natural light, vaulted ceilings, and the warmth and ambiance of three fireplaces.
Designated Movement Space
Stretch, cycle, move, repeat. The Designated Movement Space, located on the fourth floor of Stauffer Library, provides you a space and equipment where you can expend your excess energy to clear your mind and help refocus you on your tasks.
Helen Howard Graduate Student Reading Room
Located on the third floor of Stauffer Library, the graduate student reading room is equipped with group study rooms, presentation spaces, and opportunities for collaborative work. This graduate student-only space requires a code to enter, which is emailed to all graduate students at the beginning of the academic term.
Library Café
Feeling peckish but don’t want to leave the cozy confines of Stauffer Library? Good news! The Library Café, located near the library’s entrance, is here for you with a variety of salads, sandwiches, baked goods, beverages, and more!
Meditation Room
The Meditation Room, located on the second floor of Stauffer Library, provides a tranquil place for prayer, meditation, or quiet contemplation.
Stauffer Terrace
The Stauffer Terrace is a tranquil outdoor space located on the second floor of Stauffer Library and can be accessed through the Alan G Green Fireplace Reading Room. With ample tables, chairs, and benches, you are welcome to study under the pergola or an umbrella or enjoy the sunshine as you sit overlooking Union Street.
Staff / Student Learning Centre
The Staff/Student learning space, located on the lower level of Stauffer Library, is a recently created space that merges modern function with an indigenous aesthetic. The study tables, lounge seating, and white boards are conveniently located for collaborative or private study. The Wampum Bead wall and the wooden feature ceiling lends a vibrancy to this multipurpose space.
Union Gallery
UNION GALLERY is a not-for-profit, student-centred public contemporary art gallery at Queen's University. UG is a space centred in community and conversation, driven by play, curiosity, curation and research-creation. We are the primary public gallery at Queen's dedicated to showcasing the range and excellence of students' artistic and curatorial practices. UG also supports local (based in Katarokwi-Kingston), regional and national professional artists to foster a diverse network of artistic production, presentation and interpretation. We’re committed to supporting creative growth through merging technical and critical understandings of the arts, as well as a deeper understanding of how art can reflect the most important issues of our time. UG is centrally located on the first floor of Stauffer Library on Queen's main campus. All are welcome and admission is always free.
For exhibit details, and more information, please see the Union Gallery website.
Douglas Library
1923 Reading Room
Located on the top floor of Douglas Library, the 1923 reading room is one of Queen's University's most iconic spaces. Beautifully preserved solid wood carrels and chairs beneath vaulted ceilings, paired with stained glass windows, and the warm glow of brass study lamps are sure to make you feel like you've stepped back in time. Enjoy elegant ambiance outfitted with modern amenities whenever you come to study in the 1923 Reading Room.
The 1923 Reading Room is now open. Please read and understand the following information prior to use:
The 1923 Reading Room is a heritage space with limited air exchange/purification capacity. While the available seating in this room has been reduced to mitigate risk and allow for more space between patrons, some may wish to take added precautions (e.g., masking) or consider using alternate spaces on campus.
1966 Reading Room
Many alumni will joyfully remember the 1966 Reading Room in Douglas Library as “The Purple Passion Pit” due to the purple carpets and furniture that colourfully adorned the space. The room is located on the 3rd floor, and is lit by a beautiful stained-glass window, as well as an arched feature ceiling.
Science Fiction & Fantasy Lounge
In a world where assignments are piling up and deadlines are drawing near, take a break in the recently refreshed Science Fiction & Fantasy Lounge, located on the first floor (fifth level) of Douglas Library. This popular reading collection comprises over 600 best-selling, diverse, and award-winning titles – whether you’re looking for a classic space opera, the newest fae romantasy, or just a cozy chair in a quiet corner, we’ve got you covered!
Bracken Health Sciences Library
Garden View Student Lounge
As you move through the quiet stacks and come upon the Garden View Student Lounge, on the lower level of Bracken Library, it will feel like a breath of fresh air. Carefully tended plants adorn the space that offers room for small group and individual study as you look out on the back garden of Botterell Hall.
Education Library
Collaborative & Comfortable Work Spaces
Our booth and bench-style seating and group study rooms offer the ideal meeting environment for teacher candidates working together on lesson planning, Concurrent Education students studying before their classes in McArthur, and students living on West Campus who want study space on site. The hum of teamwork is always alive in this welcoming space.
Lederman Law Library
Mystery of the Law Reading Nook
Looking for a quiet place to escape into a novel? The Mystery of the Law Reading Nook is located on the first floor of the Lederman Law Library near the study rooms.