University Libraries reveals hidden gems for studying

Four-photo collage: Students studying in Davis Library; students using computers and studying at the Art Library patio; students studying at Park Library; and students studying at the SILS Library. — Carolina students have plenty of options when it comes to picking a study spot. (University Libraries)

Carolina’s libraries are full of unique spaces to study, collaborate and relax. There are so many options that it can be hard to choose!

To get you started, here are some of the best hidden study spots on campus.

Corner study lounges in Davis Library

The corner study lounges in Davis Library provide comfortable sofas, chairs, tables and — on floor 5 — treadmill desks. The lounges are in the southwest corner (overlooking The Pit) of floors 3-8 and in the northwest corner (overlooking the Edible Campus garden) of floors 7 and 8.

Fearrington Reading Room in Wilson Library

The Fearrington Reading Room on the second floor of the Wilson Special Collections Library is one of the most beautiful spaces at Carolina. Chandeliers, marble floors and dark wooden desks create a very aesthetic study space. This room is best for those who prefer a silent study space. Since Fearrington also houses rare books, food and drink are off limits.

Second floor of the Art Library

The second floor of the Sloane Art Library offers carrel seating, lounge chairs and large windows that overlook the courtyard between the Hanes Art Center and the Ackland Art Museum. For those who like to eat at Sutton’s or Cosmic Cantina, Sloane Art Library is the closest library to Franklin Street.

Art Library outdoor patio

Sloane Art Library also has a patio space. There’s outdoor furniture, a grassy area and lots of shade from the surrounding buildings. And the best part: you can still access campus Wi-Fi.

Fourth floor of the Health Sciences Library

The Health Sciences Library is the only library on South Campus. The library has five floors of study space, group study rooms, standing desks, carrels and more. HSL is also home to the Friends Café coffee shop.

SILS Library

The UNC School of Information and Library Science Library, located on the first floor of Manning Hall, is the home of our graphic novels, young adult fiction titles and children’s books. The library has desktop computers, big tables and some very comfortable couches.

Stone Center Library

The Stone Center Library is located on the third floor of the Sonja Hanes Stone Center for Research in Black Culture and History. The space has big open tables, natural light, carrels and two study rooms that are first come, first served.

Park Library

The Park Library, located on the second floor of Carroll Hall, is the go-to library for journalism students. It’s part of the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, but the space and all the resources are open to all Tar Heels. The library features big open tables, desktop computers and a Bloomberg terminal for students who need real-time financial market data for their coursework.

Note: The Writing and Learning Center is moving to the Undergraduate Library in 2026. For the renovations, the Undergraduate Library will close for construction after final exams in December 2025 and reopen in fall 2026. More information can be found on the University Libraries website.