Penn State University Libraries welcomes students from all over the world! Read the Welcome Guide for International Students to learn more about how PSU Libraries supports international students.

Penn State University has many libraries. At University Park, the largest campus, there are separate libraries for Business, Engineering, Life Sciences, and other subjects. Each campus outside of University Park also has a library.

At Penn State Abington, the campus library is located in the Woodland Building, pictured below. Its three floors house over 50,000 items, individual and group study spaces, a computer lab, and more. Our collections support the curricular and research needs of Abington faculty and students. In addition, we have special collections such as our Graphic Novel Collection and the Discovery Zone, a learner-centered collection to help students explore information relating to all parts of the undergraduate experience, from popular academic topics and current events to wellness and the local Philly area. 

PSU Libraries' philosophy is "one library." This means that all Penn State faculty and students, regardless of location, can use any book, item, or online database owned in the Penn State system. If a book is held by a different campus, you can request it, and it will usually arrive at Abington in 2-3 business days.

Answer: Yes (kind of). Your tuition has already paid for the library. So, you do not have to pay anything more to access databases, use books, or get help. 

Answer: Bring your Penn State ID card and the books to the Circulation Desk on the main level of the library. 

Answer: Yes, but only for some courses. Ask for help at the Circulation Desk on the main level. 

Answer: You can keep most books for an entire semester. Textbooks kept at the circulation desk may be used in the library for only 2 hours. Some other books like graphic novels and Discovery Zone books have a 28-day loan period.

Answer: In some areas, yes, in other areas, no. The Main Level is for quiet conversation (quiet socializing and group work), the Lower Level is for quiet collaboration (quiet group study), and the Upper Level is for silent study (no talking).

Answer: For the 2021-2022 academic year, no eating is permitted. Covered drinks can be consumed in the library. You can take your food into the Woodland Lobby or the Woodland Cafe just outside the library doors, and return when you have eaten!

Answer: On each floor on the wall across from the large windows.

Answer: Yes! However, using the elevators requires the assistance of a staff member. Please ask at the front desk if you need to use the elevator.

Answer: Any library employee at the Circulation or Reference desk on the main level. For research help, you can also make an appointment with a librarian in-person or via email.