Bancroft Library

The Bancroft Library is the primary special collections library at UC Berkeley, and one of the largest and most heavily used libraries of manuscripts, rare books, and unique materials in the United States. Bancroft supports major research and instructional activities and plays a leading role in the development of the university’s research collections.

This library is wheelchair accessible.

Hours

Material paging ends 15 minutes before closing

Dec 1 - Dec 7
Location Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
Bancroft Library monthly calendar Closed 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed
Bancroft Gallery monthly calendar Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed
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Services

Contact

Location

Bancroft Library
The Bancroft Library
University of California
Berkeley, CA 94720-6000
510-642-3781 (Administrative office)
510-642-6481 (Reference Desk)

This library is wheelchair accessible.

Explore The Bancroft Library

Plan a visit

The Bancroft Library is located on the east side of Doe Library, just northwest of the Campanile. First housed in the attic of California Hall, The Bancroft moved into its present quarters in 1950.  At the same time, the original scope of the library was enlarged to include a number of other “special collections,” including the former Rare Books Collection. The Bancroft Library now includes the Mark Twain Papers and Project, the Oral History Center, the University of California Archives, the History of Science and Technology Program, and the Pictorial Collection. For more information about visiting, parking, and research see our library guide.

Heller Reading Room

The Bancroft is a non-circulating library, so all materials must be consulted in the Heller Reading Room. Bancroft materials are unique or rare, and some are in fragile condition. Researchers must handle all materials with care to avoid loss or damage, and by following these conditions of use, which are designed to protect Bancroft collections while providing the best possible access to our researchers.

Research help

 

Bancroft staff members are available to assist you with reference and basic research inquiries about Bancroft collections. You can reach us via:

For questions about Aeon accounts, please contact banc-aeon@berkeley.edu.