Welcome to Harvard Library

We are the libraries and archives of Harvard University. Our librarians help you discover, use, and create knowledge.

Students chat and work on computers at tables inside a room with books/magazines on display behind them

Make the Libraries Yours

Books and study spaces are just the beginning. Discover the resources, services, and expert help available to you and how to make the most of them.

Explore What’s Possible

Harvard Library advances the research, teaching, and learning of Harvard students, faculty, scholars, and staff. With over 20 million items in more than 460 languages, our holdings range from rare and unique materials to extensive digital resources, many freely accessible online.

Digital Collections

Harvard Library’s digital collections offer online access to millions of digitized and born-digital materials.

Surprise Me! Explore Featured Collections
Banners hang from Widener Library during commencement

How to Research with Harvard Library as an Alum

Access a growing number of electronic resources available to alumni and find out how to visit our libraries.

Alumni Access

Exhibitions

  • Drawing of Cambridge Common, 1808

    Harvard and the American Revolution

    Through
    Lammot du Pont Copeland Gallery, Pusey Library , Harvard University Archives
  • Relief view of Sullivan's Island from Boston Harbor with tall ships

    Charting Independence

    Revolutionary War Maps from the Harvard Map Collection
    Through
    Corridor gallery, Pusey Library, Harvard Yard , Harvard Map Collection

Upcoming Events

Aug 21

Tour of Houghton Library

Library Tour
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Houghton Library
Aug 28

Tour of Houghton Library

Library Tour
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Houghton Library
Sep 4

Tour of Houghton Library

Library Tour
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Houghton Library
See All Events

Advancing Open Access and Knowledge for All

We’re building a vibrant knowledge ecosystem where access, innovation, and preservation serve not only Harvard, but communities and creators everywhere. 

Our mission is to advance the learning, research and pursuit of truth that are at the heart of Harvard.

Except where otherwise noted, this work is subject to a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which allows anyone to share and adapt our material as long as proper attribution is given. For information about what is covered by the CC BY license, as well as exceptions, see the Harvard Library CC BY Copyright Policy.

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