Whether you are on campus for a day or an hour, the Library has much for you to discover. Our collections include nearly 6.5 million items – but we offer a whole lot more as well. From the exceptional Chung Collection exhibition, to artwork in the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, to notable viewing spots, there is something for everyone at UBC Library.
Come explore the life of the Library!
The Chung Collection Exhibition
Step into Canada’s past and view thousands of artifacts chronicling early B.C. history, immigration and settlement, and the Canadian Pacific Railway Company. The Chung Collection exhibition is free and open to visitors year round. Can’t make it in person? Visit the collection online.
Rare Books and Special Collections
Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, Level 1
1961 E. Mall, Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z1
Photo credit: Martin Dee
Special collections
While you’re in the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, check out our Rare Books and Special Collections. Some of our notable offerings include:
- the archives of Canadian author and artist Douglas Coupland
- a collection of more than 200 editions of Alice in Wonderland
- our historical British Columbia map collection of maps printed prior to 1900.
Great Reads collection
You don’t have to focus only on research to enjoy and experience the Library. The Great Reads program offers leisure-reading materials ranging from Canadiana to popular fiction. Visit the collection at Koerner Library, Woodward Library and the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, or browse the shelf online. If you visit the collection in Koerner, be sure to grab a cozy spot next to the fireplace.
Koerner Lbrary’s fireplace on Level 3 is a cozy spot to read. Photo credit: Martin Dee.
Artwork in the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
A sandblasted glass chandelier with inspiration from the Dead Sea Scrolls. Two hundred multi-coloured plates, covering nearly 60 feet of wall space. These are just two examples of the treasures in the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre. Indeed, the building itself inspires a sense of wonder – and the beautiful artwork inside it will take your breath away. From local artist John Nutter to First Nations artist Brent Sparrow Jr., artwork awaits you on every floor of the Barber Centre.
Newspapers
If you want to catch up with some news from around the world, enjoy our latest selection of newspapers: daily, weekly and monthly print newspapers in Asian Library, David Lam Library, the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, Koerner Library and Xwi7xwa Library. A selection of online-only newspapers are available at: guides.library.ubc.ca/newspapers
If you also want to check out what happened in British Columbia decades ago – visit the B.C. Historical Newspapers collection and catch a glimpse of yester-year.
The Richards Buell Sutton Reading Room in the Law Library, Allard Hall
The Library offers many silent and quiet study areas. The Law Library, however, offers studying with an impressive view. The two-storey reading room – part of the beautiful Allard Hall, which opened in September 2011 – faces the north end of campus and overlooks Vancouver’s North Shore mountains.
Photo credit: Don Erhardt
The Ridington Room in the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
Photo credit: Martin Dee
If you want a place to study history, take in the sights and see stunning art – the Ridington Room in the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre is for you. The two-storey reading room (named after John Ridington, UBC’s first University Librarian) features a 45-panel glass sculpture from artist John Nutter, etched with compasses. The spiral staircase offers visitors a chance to study at tables, lounge in chairs or catch a better look at the artwork. The walls are adorned with portraits of former UBC Presidents, inspiring the students of today to remember their past.