Relocation of Main Library entrance

The Main Library entrance is being temporarily relocated due to the commencement of works to improve campus spaces taking place ahead of UCL’s 200th anniversary celebrations in 2026.

From Thursday 6 February, access to the Main Library will be via the first floor of the South Junction staircase. This will be the entrance to the Main Library until the end of 2025.

What are the UCL200 building works?

The UCL200 building works will make the UCL campus more accessible and more sustainable, ensuring our campus works for everyone in our diverse community.

The main library entrance is being temporarily relocated so works can be carried out to turn the Cloisters into a high-quality events space. The Cloisters’ glazing will also be upgraded to improve heat retention and reduce solar gain.

In other areas across campus, among other things, UCL will be planting trees, installing accessible parking bays with electric vehicle chargers, improving level access infrastructure, installing more sustainable heating systems, and creating more green spaces.

These are just a few of the exciting things UCL has planned. For a fuller picture of the UCL200 building works see the Bicentennial Physical Legacy Works web page.

Getting around

You can access the South Junction staircase at the lower ground floor via two different entrances on either side of the Bernard Katz building. The temporary library entrance is also accessible via the South Junction lift.

Directions from the Student Centre

Coming from the Student Centre, walk round the left-hand side of the Bernard Katz building – you will get to the entrance to the South Junction staircase before you get to the Print Room Café. Enter and continue straight ahead through the double doors. Turn left round the corner and take the stairs up to the first floor. At the first floor, continue straight ahead, and you will come to the temporary library entrance on your right.

Alternatively, if you walk around the right-hand side of the Bernard Katz building when coming from the Student Centre, under the Japanese Garden, you can also enter the South Junction staircase from the back of the Bernard Katz building. As you enter, take a right past Special Collections, then take a left, climbing up three steps or taking the ramp to continue through the double doors. Turn right and take the stairs opposite the Students Union shop. When you reach the first floor continue straight ahead, and you will come to the temporary library entrance on your right.

Directions from Malet Place

If you enter campus via Malet Place, walk straight ahead, with the Roberts Building, the Institute of Making and the Science Library on your left. Continue through the archway, and you will see the Print Room Café straight ahead. The entrance to the South Junction staircase is to the right of the Print Room Café. Enter and continue straight ahead through the double doors. Turn left round the corner and take the stairs up to the first floor. At the first floor, continue straight ahead, and you will come to the temporary library entrance on your right.

Lift access

The South Junction lift is situated to the right of the South Junction staircase as you face the stairs. You can access the lift from either the front or the back of the Bernard Katz building as instructed above. Take the lift to the first floor. As you leave the lift, turn left and go straight ahead. You will come to the temporary library entrance on your right.