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
| 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. | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Bancroft Gallery monthly calendar | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
Collections
At this library
Resources
Services
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510-642-6481
bancref-library@berkeley.eduBancroft staff are available to assist you with reference and basic research inquiries about Bancroft collections.
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510-643-4594
lkirwan@berkeley.eduThe Bancroft Library provides a variety of duplication services to meet the needs of our researchers.
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schol-comm@berkeley.edu
The Bancroft Library provides a variety of permission services to meet the needs of our researchers.
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banccirc-library@berkeley.edu
Use Aeon, UC Library Search, and the Online Archive of California (OAC) to request materials.
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510-642-6540
ltitango@berkeley.eduThe Bancroft Library welcomes class visits that incorporate and explore our collections.
- Security desk510-664-4227
Contact
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Kate Donovan
Director of The Bancroft Library & Associate University Librarian for Special Collections
katedonovan@berkeley.edu
Location
University of California
Berkeley, CA 94720-6000
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:
- Email: bancref-library@berkeley.edu
- Video appointment: Schedule a virtual meeting with a Bancroft staff member by clicking on The Bancroft Library at the left.
For questions about Aeon accounts, please contact banc-aeon@berkeley.edu.