Library Tours

The Library system includes over 20 libraries, area studies centers, and special collections across campus. Some libraries are in the Main Library building and others are located near the department or college they serve. We also have virtual libraries for some of our subject areas. Each library offers a full range of reference services geared toward assisting library users.

Arrange for a Personal or Group Tour

To arrange a group tour (please allow two weeks planning time for any requested tour):
  • If you would like to request a subject specific tour, please contact your departmental library.
  • For anyone who would like to request a tour of the Main Library, please contact Sarah Christensen, Visual Resources and Outreach Specialist: schrstn@illinois.edu, 217-333-3292. This tour includes all major service points in the Main Library.
  • To request tours of the Main Stacks, please contact Central Access Services.
  • Tours of the Library for community or alumni groups may be arranged by contacting LibAdmin@illinois.edu.

Go on a Self-guided Tour

To learn more about the Main Library on your own, look for the QR codes placed near service locations around the building or at the links below. The links will take you to a playlist for each location that you scan, where you can select from multiple different languages. Currently we offer English, French, Mandarin, Spanish, and Korean.

First floor:

Introduction and History

Library Gallery, SSHEL Library, and Lorado Taft Sculptures

The Orange Room

Writers Workshop

Information Desk

Bronze Tablets

University Archives

Second floor: 

Staircase Art

Literatures and Languages Library

Printers’ Marks

Media Commons Collaboration Space

The Main Stacks

Portraits Near the Main Stacks Circulation Desk

Classics Collection

History, Philosophy, and Newspaper Library and African American Research Center

Third floor: 

International and Area Studies Library

Rare Book & Manuscript Library

Loanable Technology

Illinois History and Lincoln Collections

Fourth floor: 

Reflection Room

Map Library