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UVic Libraries: McPherson Library Hours and Study Spaces
UVic's main library is the Mearns Centre for Learning – McPherson Library, inside Ring Road across from the residences. In October 2026 it opens at 7:30 a.m. on weekdays and stays open until 11 p.m. Monday to Thursday. You can book a study room, Tek Booth or walk station up to a week ahead, once a day for up to 2 hours. The lower level and third floor are quiet; the main and second floors are for group work.
Sources checked October 2, 2026. View sources
October 2026 hours at the McPherson Library
Hours change through the year, so check the library's calendar before exams. UVic's other library location is the Priestly Library, which has a few extra study rooms you book at its front desk.
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
| Friday | 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Saturday and Sunday | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
Quiet and group study areas
| Type | Where |
|---|---|
| Quiet study | McPherson Library lower level, third floor and third-floor mezzanine; Priestly second floor |
| Group study (talking allowed) | McPherson Library main and second floors; the Digital Scholarship Commons on the third floor; Priestly first floor |
| Individual open offices | Six first-come spaces on the McPherson Library third floor |
- The third-floor mezzanine and Priestly's second floor are usually less busy.
- Classrooms in both libraries can be used for study when no class is booked.
- Priority workspaces for disabled patrons, mostly height-adjustable, are on every floor.
- Graduate students have reserved quiet space and lockers on the McPherson Library third floor.
Booking a room, Tek Booth or walk station
- Study rooms suit groups of two or more and are in both libraries. Some have large collaboration screens you can plug into.
- Tek Booths are mostly for one or two people and good for Zoom calls. No food or drink inside.
- Two walk stations with desks are at the back of the McPherson Library.
- Book up to a week ahead, one booking a day, up to 2 hours. If you're more than 15 minutes late, the booking is cancelled.
- Unbooked spaces are first come, first served.
Help and services
The Ask Us Desk on the first floor, near the entrance, lends laptops and equipment, books study and media rooms, and helps with course reserves and accessibility supports. Computer workstations, mostly on the main floor, need only your NetLink ID and handle printing and scanning.
The Learning Commons in the library offers help with writing, math, learning strategies and career plans, and the Digital Scholarship Commons runs workshops, including 3D printing.
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Sources and updates
This independent guide summarizes the official information linked below. Availability, access rules and application cycles can change; check the relevant university page before making a decision.