MIT Libraries Individual Study Spaces

If you want to study with friends, visit the MIT Libraries' group-study page.

But if you want to be alone, explore the wonderful spaces listed below. Make one of our great study spaces your own!

(Click on the photos to see larger views.)

Listening Tables in Lewis Music Library
Photo © L. Barry Hetherington

Barker Engineering Library, 10-500

Centrally located in Building 10, Barker has a variety of spaces for meeting your study needs. If you need inspiration, use the comfy chairs in the reading room to either gaze up at the inside of the Great Dome or to take a nap to learn from your dream states. Carrels around the wall of the reading room provide some spacious work surfaces in this communal study space. If quiet, distraction-free zones are what you are after, find a study carrel on the 6th, 7th or 8th floors in the midst of all of the books. If you like to spread out at a large table, there are a few scattered around the 5th floor, particularly in the reference area. Group study spaces are also available. Covered beverages are welcome in Barker.

Photo © Liang-Wu Cai

Dewey Library, E53-100

Located in E53 on the east side of campus, Dewey's spacious 1st floor provides a variety of wonderful study areas. Check out the view while sitting in the carrels that line the library's long windows, or spread your work out on the large study tables. Find a comfortable chair and read in the current newspaper and magazine display area. Ascend the stairs to find a quiet study carrel among the second floor stacks.

Hayden Library 24/7 Study Area, 14S-126

24/7 study space is available in the entrance to Hayden Library (containing the Humanities and Science Libraries). This newly designed space contains comfortable furniture for studying and a view of the Lipschitz Courtyard & artwork. In addition, it contains computer workstations and a printer, wireless network connectivity, a photocopier, and two group study rooms.

To promote a safe and secure environment in this room when Hayden Library is closed, an emergency phone with a direct line to MIT Campus Police is provided. In addition, entry to the room is restricted to members of the MIT Community with a valid MIT ID.

Photo © L. Barry Hetherington

Humanities Library, 14S-200

Overlooking the Charles River, the Humanities Library offers quiet spaces with a spectacular view. Commune with nature from the window bays - watch the boat traffic on the river, or gaze at the splendid autumn foliage (depending on the season). If you need peace and quiet, the west end of the library is a designated "quiet zone." Many large tables are available, if you need surface space, as well as smaller more private carrels (primarily up on the mezzanines).

Photo © Liang-Wu Cai

Lewis Music Library, 14E-109

Besides being simply one of the most beautiful libraries on campus, the Music Library has a quiet and refined atmosphere. Make sure you notice the score of a two-part canon, composed by MIT music professor and Pulitzer Prize winner John Harbison, etched onto the balcony's glass panels. A view of the Lipschitz courtyard gives you the chance to enjoy the sculpture and plants - as well as to people-watch (the courtyard is also a nice place to study in fine weather). Comfortable chairs permit the body to relax while the mind is engaged. Great group study rooms are also available.

Lindgren Library, 54-200

Lindgren, in Building 54 (the building on stilts!) offers a lot of natural light and great views from its study spaces. Comfortable chairs are available for reading and round tables are available for studying with friends or spreading out. Individual study carrels are lined along the large windows on either side of the library facing the Charles River or Cambridge

Rotch Library, 7-238

The Rotch Architecture and Urban Planning Library's unique space has earned it mention in a number of design magazines. When you enter its doors, on the second floor of building 7, you will find a large reading room with several long study tables and comfortable chairs looking out toward the student center. Study alone or daydream in the corner alcoves on floors 1, 4, 5 and 6. Rotch can also boast amazing group study spaces, with wireless and network connections.

Science Library, 14S-100

While you'll see more trunks than foliage, the Science Library also has a great view of the Charles River and the trees that line its banks.

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This page was last updated on 08/20/07