The library of the future is here

Since 1884, Temple University has been committed to challenging the status quo in higher education—Charles Library embodies that continued commitment. 

Charles was born out of a unique vision of a library that is more than a home for book stacks, study spaces and research materials. The vision was a 21st century library that is a source of inspiration, an incubator for ideas, and a center for engagement and collaboration. Charles is all of these things and more.

Experience Charles Library

Located at the intersection of Polett and Liacouras walks, Charles Library is truly the centerpiece of our university.

This state-of-the-art learning center is transforming our campus with its striking design and sophisticated technology. It’s the most modern library in Pennsylvania and one of the most significant new libraries in North America.

It’s a place where all Temple students and faculty, regardless of discipline, can study, learn, create and collaborate.

The library boasts an impressive collection of high-demand volumes available in traditional stacks, and additional books available via an automated storage and retrieval system known as the BookBot. Located underneath Charles, the cutting-edge technology increases usability, allowing for more open space in the library where faculty and students can gather and work, while still providing easy access to the library's extensive collection.

A center for collaboration 

Creativity thrives when people come together—a principle upon which Charles was founded. 

Across Temple’s schools and colleges, we’re united in our mission to create real change in the world. Charles provides a space where walls dissolve, interests align and minds come together to amplify our collective contributions to that mission.

Each of Charles’ four floors offers unique collaboration capabilities. With flexible group study and conference rooms, presentation practice studios, ample seating and open spaces, the library is designed to physically bring people together. And as Philadelphia's public university, this library is more than a resource for Temple students—it’s a modern day public square for all Philadelphians. Charles truly belongs to all of us.

In more ways than one, Charles is the heart of the Temple community—uniting all of us on common ground.

A hub of innovation

As digital technology continues to change how we learn, research, communicate and create, students need to have places where they feel anything is possible. Every aspect of this library was designed for today’s world and students. 

Charles’ incubator-like environment offers everything needed to push the boundaries of research, teaching and learning. The Scholars Studio offers a makerspace with 3D printing capabilities, high-end computing and a virtual reality studio. Study and group workspaces are designed to adapt to student needs, from computer rentals and flexible furniture to technology that allows users to project digital content from personal devices.

By bridging traditional research and digital transformation, Charles is redefining learning and teaching in the 21st century. 

Tomorrow is ours

Temple University is an unstoppable force driven by curiosity, collaboration, innovation and an intrepid spirit.

As part our global transformation, we’ve seen the rise of Charles Library, Morgan Hall, the Science Education Research Center and the STAR Complex, along with the renovation of the Temple Performing Arts Center. We’ve also entered into a partnership with Showa Women’s University in Tokyo to create a new campus for Temple University Japan. 

The Temple community is always looking ahead and moving forward—here in Philadelphia and beyond—and Charles is emblematic of that momentum.

More than a library, Charles is set to become a cultural destination for Temple, Philadelphia and the region. It's an investment that our students, faculty, local alumni and community members will benefit from for generations to come.