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Libraries Reopen

Danforth Campus libraries have resumed their summer schedules, although buildings will require WashU ID swipe card access until Tuesday, May 27. Visit our hours page for additional details.

John M. Olin Library

Exterior image of Olin Library at night

The John M. Olin Library is the central library of the WashU Libraries system. It houses general-interest materials and collections in the humanities, sciences, and engineering.

You may search the Libraries’ collections in the Classic Catalog, Quick Search, or by exploring our Research Tools & Guides. Olin Library is also the location of many general services for the WashU Libraries.

Please see the Olin Library Guidelines and Policies page for information on library usage guidelines, building access for students and visitors, and more.

Please visit the Services and Borrowing & Returns pages for details about Olin Library services and Olin Library’s Help Desk, borrowing privileges, circulation policies, fines and fees, and more.

Student walking around the stacks on Level 2 of Olin Library.

Collection Locations and Floor Plans

Find out more information on exhibition locations and where materials are housed within Olin Library’s five floors.

Explore physical collections
An empty table with chairs and a large screen within the Data Services Research Studio.

Data Services Spaces & Tools

Data Services and the Research Studio are located on Level A of Olin Library and support WashU’s data needs.

Learn More about Data Services Spaces & Tools
Student studying at a table in the Newman Exploration Center.

Accessibility

The WashU Libraries are committed to making our spaces, collections, services, and events accessible.

Learn More about Accessibility at the WashU Libraries

WashU Libraries Exhibitions

In addition to several digital exhibitions, Olin Library hosts several rotating and permanent exhibition spaces. For floor plan maps, see the Olin Library Collection Locations page.

Explore our exhibitions
A photo of the Worlds of Imagination exhibition with students investigating the materials. A Worlds of Imagination promotional sign describes the three parts of this exhibition: Making Your Move, Board games from the Dowd Modern Graphic History Library; Imagining Fantastic Stories, children's literature from the Rare Books Collection; and Playing with Money, play money courtesy of the American Numismatic Association.

Services

Find out more information about the services offered at Olin Library, including circulation policies, Interlibrary Loans, and proxy borrowing.
Tour Our Services

Study Rooms

See group study rooms in Olin Library and learn about other Olin Library spaces.
Reserve Study Rooms

Research Support

The Libraries provide a variety of resources to aid in your research. Learn more about the research tools and resources available on- and off-campus.
Research Support
Students studying in the booths at Whispers Cafe.

Whispers Café

Located on the ground level of the Olin Library, Whispers Café offers an expanded coffee and tea program, more grab ‘n go options, and a great place to sit and chill.

Learn more about Whispers
The Newman Map room.

Newman Exploration Center

The Newman Exploration Center offers a vibrant and dynamic space in the John M. Olin Library. It showcases WashU’s broad and varied international activities undertaken by our students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Learn more about the Newman Exploration Center
Curator Joel Minor giving a presentation on an exhibition in the Ginkgo Room.

Olin Library Guidelines & Policies

Learn more about Olin Library building access and usage.

View more information
The exterior of the Olin Library with students coming and going.

Olin Library Amenities & Technology

Olin Library offers many welcoming spaces, technology-related services, and audio and visual materials for our users.

Learn more about Olin’s Amenities & Technology
A tour group looking at collection materials in the Special Collections Reading Room.

Tours & Field Trips

Tours are available to school and adult groups interested in learning more about the John M. Olin Library. Availability is contingent on the capacity of staff and library spaces, which varies throughout the year.

Tour & Field Trip Details

Recent News

Exterior roof of the Olin Library with a yellow ginkgo tree.

Self-Guided Tour of the John M. Olin Library

Check out our Self-Guided Tour for more information about the spaces and services available in the John M. Olin Library.

Self-Guided Tour of John M. Olin Library
The Plaza Scripts outside the John M. Olin Library.

Plaza Scripts

Curious about the scripts displayed on the Olin Library plaza? We’ve created a PDF guide about them.

View the guide

Contact Us

Departments in OlinPhoneEmail
Administration(314) 935-5400libadmin@wumail.wustl.edu
Data Services(314) 935-5492j.moore@wustl.edu
Help Desk – Circulation(314) 935-5420circ@wumail.wustl.edu
Interlibrary Loan (ILL)(314) 935-5442ill@wumail.wustl.edu
Research & Liaison Services(314) 935-5410ref@wumail.wustl.edu
Reserves(314) 935-5451reserve@wumail.wustl.edu
Special Collections(314) 935-5495spec@wumail.wustl.edu

Directions to Olin Library

Google Map directions

John M. Olin Library
MSC 1061-141-B
WashU
One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130
Phone: (314) 935-5420
circ@wumail.wustl.edu