Library Study Spaces

The Caltech Library offers study spaces across five locations.  Each location has limited seating with priority given to Caltech students, faculty, and staff.  Visitors and external researchers should refer to our Rules of Access for more information.  Access to the libraries of Caltech varies based on day of the week and specific library.  For the most up-to-date library hours by location, please visit the hours page. 

Outdoor Seating

Starting this fall, the Sherman Fairchild Library is offering an outdoor reading room with solo study spaces in our amphitheatre. There are tables and chairs as well as socially distanced umbrellas on the lawn for studious lounging.

• East Walkway Tables (5)
• Patio Umbrellas (10)

During COVID-19, the following rules must be followed:

1. Wear a face covering that covers your mouth and nose, and does not have a respirator valve.
2. Only one person per study space, and maintain a 6' distance between you and other people.
3. If you've used a table, flip table sign to "dirty" as we are cleaning tables every half-hour from 9am-6pm.
4. No eating allowed, and no alcohol may be consumed.
5. Use the COVID-19 reporting tool via Acess Caltech to attest that you are sympytom free and log your time and location on campus

Indoor Seating [temporarily closed]

The Library has three types of indoor study areas:

• These areas can be reserved.
• Conversations are allowed.
• Set phones to vibrate.

• Occasional and quiet discussion allowed.
• Phones set to vibrate or silent; phone conversations are not permitted.
• Headphones set at low volume.

• Silent study only.
• No talking.
• Phones set to silent; phone conversations are not permitted.
• Headphones set at low volume.