Ranking UC Berkeley's Libraries

This year is my last year at Berkeley!1 I recently realized that I haven’t used all the facilities the campus has to offer. Both to explore the campus more and to encourage good academic habits, I’m going to spend some time doing work and studying at every single library on Berkeley campus and give my review of each one.

These are the metrics I’ll be scoring the libraries on (out of 5)2:

Atmosphere

• Does this library promote a relaxed environment conducive to studying?
• Can one spend long periods of time in this library without going insane?

Seating

• How comfortable are the seating options?
• Is it easy or hard to find a seat in this library (not counting finals week3)?

Amenities

• Are there outlets near the seats for laptop charging?
• Does the Wi-Fi work well?
• Is there anything else that helps with studying (lamps, big tables, whiteboards, etc)?
• What other services does the space provide (computers, printers, etc)?

Location

• How easy is this library to get to?
• Is it in a nice building and part of campus?

One note, if you look up how many libraries Berkeley has, the Internet will tell you there’s twenty-six. I’m only ranking eighteen here, for a couple reasons. Some libraries are off-limits to undergrads, and others, while listed as their own libraries on the Berkeley website, are smaller parts of other libraries and aren’t distinct enough for me to give them their own entry on this list.

Off we go!4

The Rankings

18 - East Asian Library

This library feels like it was built to be an impressive piece of architecture instead of as a space for academic pursuits. Finding a seat there is nearly impossible, even during times that typically aren’t busy on campus (don’t even think about going there during finals week). Most seats don’t have a nearby outlet either. It’s a cool space, but feels sort of threatening, like you have to earn your place to study there. It’s one saving grace is that is has air conditioning.

• Atmosphere ⭐️ ⭐️
• Seating ⭐️
• Amenities ⭐️ ⭐️
• Location ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

17 - Ethnic Studies Library

This is in a hidden spot on campus - you can’t really get to this library without knowing where it is. It’s small, only a smattering of tables and chairs. They’re centered in the room, which limits outlet access, and it gets stuffy in there after a bit. It’s in a central spot on campus, and it has computers for students to use, but that was really all that was going for it. I don’t think I’d go back there again.

• Atmosphere ⭐️ ⭐️
• Seating ⭐️ ⭐️
• Amenities ⭐️ ⭐️
• Location ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

16 - Doe Library

This is going to be a hot take, I know, but Doe is a little overrated in my book. Yes, it’s iconic and beautiful with its huge open rooms and gorgeous ceilings, but as a place to study it’s lacking in some areas. It’s always crowded, the seats are so uncomfortable, and half of the time the outlet at your desk doesn’t work and your computer won’t connect to the Wi-Fi. It’s still a great place to show your family around!

• Atmosphere ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Seating ⭐️ ⭐️
• Amenities ⭐️ ⭐️
• Location ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

15 - Chemistry/Astro/Physics Library (Hildebrand)

I think the only thing I really have to say about this library is that it has massage chairs. I know that has nothing to do with studying but it actually has everything to do with studying. What better way to take a break than with a massage chair? Other than that, it isn’t really memorable. Just some tables and study rooms.

• Atmosphere ⭐️ ⭐️
• Seating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Amenities ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Location ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

14 - Mainstacks

Mainstacks is a Berkeley staple. Its vast underground rooms connect Doe, Moffitt, and a couple other libraries. You can usually find a seat here, though you might get lost in all the identical hallways. There’s also some study rooms you can reserve if you need a place to yourself (I’ve used them to study with friends, have a job interview, and practice presentations). It’s a good spot to hide from the world and get your work done. I start to go a little stir-crazy if I spend too long in there, though.

• Atmosphere ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Seating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Amenities ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Location ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

13 - Bancroft

Bancroft and Doe are almost interchangeable - they’re connected and it’s hard to tell where one ends and the other starts. Bancroft feels like the slightly-less-ostentatious younger sibling to Doe - less extravagant rooms and ceilings, but still lots of solid tables and chairs to use. It typically is a little less crowded than Doe but can fill up during busy times in the semester.

• Atmosphere ⭐️ ⭐️
• Seating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Amenities ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Location ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

12 - Business Library

The Haas library is interesting because it’s so varied. Parts of it have high ceilings, fancy seating, and big windows. The largest portion of it, however, is a low-ceilinged room filled with the most random assortment of furniture you’ve ever seen. It’s usually pretty crowded, and the groups there often push the limit of a ‘quiet study space’. It’s a good spot to get some work done, but can get stuffy and there aren’t many outlets near most of the seating. One plus is that there are whiteboards throughout the space that you can use to work out long math problems or draw huge pictures5.

• Atmosphere ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Seating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Amenities ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Location ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

11 - Institute for Governmental Studies

Another teeny library that you probably won’t find unless you go looking for it. It’s the size of a high school classroom, and has a good amount of tables with comfortable seating. There are a couple of computers and a scanner available to use, along with some cushy armchairs. Because it’s out of the way, it’s not crowded, and it’s in a central spot on campus. The windows offer a nice view into a more forested part of campus, which is a good backdrop to studying.

• Atmosphere ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Seating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Amenities ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Location ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

10 - Morrison

I LOVE this library, but there’s one thing holding it back from being higher up on this list (and it’s not that my roommate Lucas works there)6. It’s super cozy, has great vibes, and is a fantastic spot - if you’re following the rules. There’s a ‘no keyboard’ rule in effect here, to prevent noise from laptops. It does help curate the atmosphere, aided by comfortable couches and armchairs reminiscent of the Gryffindor common room, but makes studying difficult. It’s a great place to relax or do some light work, however. Don’t try and push the quiet rule - the staff will boot you out right away. Morrison also gets an extra shout-out for their art loaning program7.

• Atmosphere ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Seating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Amenities ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Location ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

9 - Social Research (Haviland)

This was one of the first study spaces I happened upon by accident during my freshman year. It’s a small, quiet room up in a more secluded corner of campus. There’s computers, printers, and outlets available to use and there’s a decent amount of seating. It’s quite the cozy place to do work and if you need some air, the building it’s in is right near my favorite spot on campus with trees and benches near Strawberry Creek.

• Atmosphere ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Seating ⭐️ ⭐️
• Amenities ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Location ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

8 - Moffitt

While not my favorite, I’ve probably more time here than any other library. It’s in a convenient spot and usually has seats, so I’ve found myself working there quite often. There’s also a floor where talking is allowed, which makes studying in groups easy (or just causes less embarrassment when my headphones decide to not connect to my laptop and I play music out loud). The bathrooms here are some of my favorites, featuring floor-to-ceiling doors on the stalls (why isn’t this everywhere?)8. Plentiful seats, whiteboards, and computers make it a great all-around study spot.

• Atmosphere ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Seating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Amenities ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Location ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

7 - Earth Sciences & Maps Library

Another out-of-the-way spot with a very specific name. It’s small, but the tables are comfortable and have lots of outlets. It’s well ventilated (a must with some of these students’ hygiene habits), and has these super cool atlases with maps you can parse through when you’re not studying. It has a quiet and calming vibe and I thoroughly enjoyed my time here.

• Atmosphere ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Seating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Amenities ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Location ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

6 - Environmental Design (Wurster)

This is probably the most utilitarian looking building on campus9, but it’s hiding an awesome library! When it’s not overflowing with students, the big tables, fun decor, large windows, and convenient café downstairs make it a perfect place to lock in for a long haul study day. I’ve spent many an hour here during finals week and it’s a good spot to be!

• Atmosphere ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Seating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Amenities ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Location ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

5 - Music Library

This is another favorite of mine. It’s in a pretty spot of campus, has lots of seating, and generally has a nice atmosphere. I often come here for extended study sessions during finals week. There’s a good amount of varied seating but it can get crowded. I’m particularly a fan of the big windows, which let in lots of light during the day. It’s also not far from where I live, so it’s an easy trip to make.

• Atmosphere ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Seating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Amenities ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Location ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

4 - Kresge

This library closed my freshman year and it just reopened, and I’m very glad it did. It’s a little dark and spooky in there, but there are lots of comfy chairs and tables, computers, outlets, and study spaces. It’s also a ‘talking allowed’ space so it’s a good spot to do group work. There are also spots to nap back in some of the corners of the space, though I’ve never used them. It always feels appropriate doing my engineering work in the engineering library.

• Atmosphere ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Seating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Amenities ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Location ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

3 - Grimes Engineering Center

I’m not sure if this technically counts as a library, but it sits on top of Kresge, so I’m counting it. It’s the newest student center on campus and you can tell why it took the better part of three years to finish. It’s large, well-lit, air-conditioned, has great views of campus (studying with the Campanile as a backdrop is lovely), has great seating, and, unlike most of the engineering buildings on campus, doesn’t smell like an old sock died in the HVAC system thirty years ago. WiFi is great, outlets are everywhere, it’s overall a great place to do work. I’m also a big fan of the white and dark green color scheme. The one issue it has is that they didn’t fill up the space with enough tables and chairs, so you sometimes can’t find a seat10.

• Atmosphere ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Seating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Amenities ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Location ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

2 - Bioscience & Public Health

This library is in my favorite spot on campus, near the northwest side, where there’s lots of trees and greenery. The library itself is also spacious and comfortably warm (great spot to study when it’s cold out). Big skylights, cozy couches, and large tables with outlets make it a great spot to do some practice midterms.

• Atmosphere ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Seating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Amenities ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Location ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

1 - Institute of Transportation Studies

This is definitely an unorthodox first choice - I bet even the Berkeley students reading this haven’t heard of it. It’s squirreled up on the fourth floor of McLaughlin Hall, but it’s such a gem! It’s a small room, but it’s got comfy seats, lots of windows, big tables with outlets, and a set of computers and a printer. Throw in the whiteboards, water fountain, and the ping-pong table and you’ve got everything you might need! There’s also small houseplants scattered all around the space, which I love. I hadn’t heard of it before working on this list and I definitely will be going back.

• Atmosphere ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Seating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Amenities ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Location ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

(I’m docking off the perfect score because you have to climb up 3 flights of stairs to get in).

Honorable Mentions

Some places I enjoy studying in on campus that are not libraries or dedicated student centers.

Kiklo Café

Kiklo is a small café in Stanley Hall. It’s pretty tiny, so it’s often hard to find a seat there, but if you do, it’s a great place to hang. Good vibes, good food, and in a central spot on campus. It does close pretty early, around 3PM, so you’ll have to find somewhere else to go in the afternoon and evening.

Yali’s

Sort of just like a larger Kiklo - nice café with lots of seating, good food, and good vibes. There’s a section with big lounging chairs and low-to-the-floor tables if you don’t want to sit at a typical table to do your work. The smoothies you can get here are great (more like milkshakes).

Physics Reading Room

A classic among STEM majors. It’s a long classroom in the physics building with chairs, tables, couches, and chalkboards usually filled with a mix of math and general academic angst. The couches are super comfy and there’s always people there who can help you out with your homework.

Supernode Lobby

This is the main lobby/lounge on the second floor of Cory Hall. A few tables and a whiteboard fill the space, though the chairs seem to vanish with each passing week. Not the best smell or lighting - it sort of feels like a liminal office space. I don’t love this spot, but since most of my club’s meetings are held in Cory Hall, I spend a lot of time here. It gets the job done.

Hesse Lobby

This is a nice spot to hang out when the weather isn’t too hot. Couches, tables, chairs, and a big open space with nice lighting. Outlets are not always guaranteed, but the WiFi is reliable and it’s a nice spot to meet with groups. Sometimes has an unpleasant odor. Pretty typical of engineering spaces, unfortunately.

Berkeley Public Library

This isn’t even part of campus, but I’m listing it here because it’s got great study spots and remains uncrowded even during finals week. Most students are not members or don’t want to go downtown to use it. Support your public libraries!

On the Clock

I work nights in the freshman dorms scanning in students, and I have a lot of downtime during my shifts. I tend to do most of my homework during these hours, so work counts as a library for me.

Thanks for reading! This list was a lot of fun to put together - exploring all around campus was super cool. Berkeley students, let me know how my ranking compares to yours!

1

(Grad school application results pending).

2

Most people tend to overrate pretty much everything on a scale like the one I’m using. To try and combat that, I’m treating the 1-5 ranking as follows - 1 is bottom of the barrel, 2 isn’t great, 3 is solid, 4 is great, and 5 is top notch. Keep that in mind - a 3/5 doesn’t mean it’s bad, as some people tend to think.

3

Finals week, which sees about ten billion students in every library, is an outlier and should not be counted.

4

I assumed that Berkeley would have good photos of their libraries on the internet, so I didn’t take any of my own while surveying, but that wasn’t really the case. I apologize for some of the photos here, they’re the best I could find.

5

Not kidding when I say some of the most impressive art I’ve seen has been on a random whiteboard in a library on campus. Some people here can draw, and with a dry-erase marker no less!

6

Mostly.

7

At the beginning of every school year, you can check out paintings from this library and keep them until the end of the year. Great way to add some decor to your place!

8

Apparently it’s not up to ADA standard to have these floor-to-ceiling stalls. If that’s true, I’m not sure how Berkeley was allowed to have non-ADA bathrooms, but I’ve also heard that design was created to make people more uncomfortable in the bathroom so they’d get back to work sooner, which is kind of evil.

9

Important context - this building was design to be as energy efficient as possible, so it’s made of concrete with big overhangs at every window. Not pretty to look at, but apparently it’s super cheap to heat and cool, which is cool.

10

This could also be because it’s new. Once the novelty of it dies down a bit there might be some more open seats.