Why Give?

Standing at the center of the academic experience on the Berkeley campus, the Library reflects the strength and excellence of the University of California. As the highest-ranking public research library in the U.S., the University Library at Berkeley provides the intellectual resources to support the University's diverse teaching and research activities. It has enabled generations of Cal scholars to teach and learn, to reflect on the past and shape the future, and to advance human understanding and knowledge.

In 1863, as the College of California, the Library opened with 500 books. It was open one hour a week. Over the past century and a half, the Library has grown to include 34 separate libraries or collections with over 10 million book volumes and countless other printed and digital materials. Many of the collections have been recognized for the rare and unusual items they contain--including historic Chinese monumental rubbings, thousands of photographs documenting the history of California, and one of the country's largest collections of Egyptian papyri.

For more than a century, the generosity and loyalty of UC Berkeley alumni and friends have enabled the Library to address the changing needs of Cal's students and faculty. The Library continues to add an astounding amount of printed and electronic resources, rare and unique materials, and new and innovative collections each year. In order to continue to acquire, organize, and make accessible new information, the Library depends on the support of those who understand how important an outstanding library is to the education of students who will one day shape our future.