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UVic Libraries

Welcome to the library!

August 31, 2026

Librarian helping students in a study room.

We are excited to welcome you to campus!

Getting to know a new campus can feel overwhelming, but the library is a great place to start.

UVic Libraries has exciting resources and gathering spaces for all UVic students. From fun social events to free textbooks, there are endless reasons to come check out the library.

New to the library? Start here.

You can find our main library (the Mearns – McPherson Library) in the heart of campus, near the Quad.

Watch a video tour of the main library.

Did you know there are two libraries here on campus?

The Diana M. Priestly Library is home to the law collection and other law-related resources. This library is open to all students, and it’s also a great study spot. 

Find out more about what you can do in the library.

Get to know the library website

Our website is home to everything you need to know about what’s happening at the library.

Here are just a couple of things you can do on our website:

  • find the library’s hours
  • book a study room
  • book a research appointment with a librarian
  • search the library’s full collections of books, articles, and more

Check out our pages for undergraduates and grad students, which have resources and tips for using the library and the website.

Watch a video tour of the UVic Libraries website.

Social events and tours

Every year, the library puts on fun social events and orientation activities for new students. Come meet other students and learn about library resources. We’re excited to meet you!

Fall 2026 orientation and social events

Registration required

Drop-in—no registration required!

We also offer exciting workshops on topics like 3D printing year-round.

Check out our full calendar of orientation events and more.

Find places to study

Looking for somewhere to study? The library has plenty of options.

Borrow books and more

Libraries are so much more than just books—though we’ve got plenty of those, too!

At UVic Libraries, we have all kinds of items you can borrow, including noise-cancelling headphones, fidget and sensory kits, and even bike locks.

  • Your ONECard works as your library card. Visit the ONECard Office to get your own ONECard.
    • Did you know you can set up a digital ONECard on your phone? This digital version of your ONECard also works as a library card.
  • Before you head to the UVic Bookstore to buy your textbooks for the semester, be sure to check out our Zero-Cost Textbooks for students. 

Information for grad students

We know graduate students have many roles: student, researcher, writer, instructor, mentor. The library is here to support you through every step of your UVic journey.

We've put together a new, curated page that lists all library supports and resources available to grad students. On this page, you'll find information about:

  • the library’s dedicated quiet study area for grad students only
  • your subject librarians
  • awards and fellowships
  • workshops and research skills training
  • thesis and publication support
  • discipline-specific resources
  • and more! 

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