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The Ultimate Guide to Mugar Memorial Library at Boston University (BU)

The Ultimate Guide to Mugar Memorial Library at Boston University (BU)

Discover everything you need to know about Mugar Library - BU's iconic central library. Learn about its resources, study spots, hours, and more from a current student's perspective.

Photo: Nathan Dumlao
Campus
Updated 2026-01
12 min read

The Ultimate Guide to Mugar Memorial Library at Boston University (BU)

Discover everything you need to know about Mugar Library - BU's iconic central library. Learn about its resources, study spots, hours, and more from a current student's perspective.
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Sarah Chen

BU Class of 2025 | CAS

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1

The Quick Answer

The Ultimate Guide to Mugar Memorial Library at Boston University (BU) is a key location on Boston University's (BU) campus in Boston, Massachusetts. This guide covers what students actually need to know about using this space.

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Mugar Memorial Library: The Heart of BU's Campus

As a Boston University (BU) student, you'll quickly come to know Mugar Memorial Library as the academic heart of our campus. Located right on Comm Ave, this 14-story building is home to over 2.4 million books, journals, and other resources - making it the largest library in the Boston area. Whether you need a quiet study nook, a group workspace, or just a place to relax between classes, Mugar has something for every BU Terrier.

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Services and Facilities at Mugar Library

Mugar Library offers a wide range of services and facilities to support your academic success at BU. On the lower floors, you'll find computer labs, group study rooms, printers, scanners, and even a Starbucks café for fuel. The upper floors house millions of books, journals, and media resources which you can access both physically and digitally through the library's website.

The library also has dedicated spaces like the Theology Library, the Music Library, and the Archives & Special Collections - each with their own specialized resources. And if you ever need research help, the friendly librarians at the reference desk are always available to assist you.

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Top Study Spots in Mugar Library

Pro Tip

One of the best things about Mugar Library is the abundance of quiet, comfortable study spots scattered throughout the building. Here are some of the most popular places for BU students to hunker down and get work done:

  • Silent Study Floors: The 11th and 12th floors of Mugar are designated as completely silent study areas, perfect for individual deep work.
  • Window Seats: The large windows on the upper floors offer stunning views of the BU campus and provide natural light - great for reading or writing.
  • Group Study Rooms: Reserve one of the many private group study rooms to collaborate with classmates on projects or presentations.
  • Mezzanine Couches: The cozy couches and armchairs on the mezzanine level are ideal for casual studying or relaxing with a good book.
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Mugar Library Hours and Access

Mugar Memorial Library maintains extensive hours to accommodate BU students' busy schedules:

  • Academic Year: Monday-Thursday 7:30am - 2:00am, Friday 7:30am - 10:00pm, Saturday 9:00am - 10:00pm, Sunday 10:00am - 2:00am
  • Breaks/Holidays: Hours are reduced, so be sure to check the library's website for the latest schedule.

All BU students, faculty, and staff have 24/7 access to Mugar Library by swiping their Terrier Card at the entrance. Guests and visitors are welcome during regular hours but may have limited access to certain floors or resources.

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What BU Students Say About Mugar Library

Mugar Library is a campus landmark that plays a big role in the lives of most Boston University (BU) students. Here's what some current Terriers had to say about their experiences:

'Mugar is definitely the heart of BU's campus. I spend so much time there - whether it's studying for exams, working on group projects, or just finding a quiet place to read. The variety of study spaces really caters to everyone's needs.'

'As an engineering student, I rely on Mugar's extensive technical resources and databases to complete my coursework. The librarians are also super helpful whenever I need research assistance.'

'I love how Mugar is open 24/7 during the semester. It's a lifesaver when I have a big paper due and need to work late into the night.'

'The view from the upper floors of Mugar is unbeatable. I like to grab a coffee from the Starbucks downstairs and find a cozy window seat to enjoy it.'

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The Future of Mugar Library

While Mugar Memorial Library has been a central part of BU's campus for decades, the university has big plans to transform and modernize the space in the coming years. In 2021, BU announced a $112 million renovation project that will overhaul the library's interior and enhance its technology and sustainability features.

Some of the key changes students can look forward to include:

  • Expanded and upgraded study areas with more natural lighting
  • New collaborative workspaces and group study rooms
  • Enhanced digital resources and research tools
  • Improved environmental controls for better energy efficiency
  • Upgraded elevators, restrooms, and other core infrastructure

Construction is expected to be completed by 2024, so current BU students will have the chance to experience Mugar Library's state-of-the-art upgrades before graduating. This renovation represents an exciting new chapter for one of the most iconic buildings on campus.

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What Surprises Students About BU Campus

BU's campus stretches along Commonwealth Avenue for nearly two miles—much longer than most students expect. Understanding the campus geography early saves significant time and frustration.

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Key Considerations

When evaluating The Ultimate Guide to Mugar Memorial Library at Boston University (BU), BU students should weigh both the benefits and constraints. No option is perfect for everyone—the right choice depends on your specific priorities, circumstances, and what tradeoffs you're willing to accept.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours of operation for Mugar Library?
During the academic year, Mugar Library is open from 7:30am to 2:00am Monday-Thursday, 7:30am to 10:00pm on Fridays, 9:00am to 10:00pm on Saturdays, and 10:00am to 2:00am on Sundays. Hours are reduced during university breaks and holidays, so be sure to check the library's website for the latest schedule.
Can non-BU visitors access Mugar Library?
Guests and visitors are welcome to access Mugar Library during regular operating hours, but they may have limited access to certain floors or resources. BU students, faculty, and staff have 24/7 access to the library by swiping their Terrier Cards at the entrance.
What types of study spaces are available in Mugar Library?
Mugar Library offers a wide variety of study spaces to accommodate different needs and preferences. This includes silent study floors, cozy window seats, private group study rooms, and comfortable mezzanine couches - all of which provide excellent environments for individual or collaborative work.
When will the Mugar Library renovation be complete?
BU has announced a $112 million renovation project for Mugar Library, with the goal of completing construction by 2024. The renovations will transform the interior of the library, adding more study areas, collaborative workspaces, upgraded technology, and enhanced sustainability features.
What resources and services does Mugar Library provide?
In addition to over 2.4 million books, journals, and other physical resources, Mugar Library offers a range of services and facilities to support BU students. This includes computer labs, printers, scanners, specialized libraries (Theology, Music, Archives), and research assistance from the friendly librarian staff.
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