Welcome!
About the Commons
Located on the quads of the University of Chicago campus, the Harper Memorial Library Commons combines the stately Harper and Stuart Reading Rooms of the former Harper Library into a renewed space for both individual and collaborative learning. The Harper Reading Room is designated for quiet, individual study, while the Stuart Reading Room, with its multiple cubicles and open-seating plan, is ideally suited for group work. The Harper Commons also houses the Common Knowledge Café, a 10-terminal USITE station, a Canon Unified Printing station, and two classrooms for Information Technology seminars and workshops. In addition, Stuart hosts the College Core Tutor Program and Writing Tutors on Sunday through Thursday evenings, from 7 PM to 11 PM. The total space approaches 25,000 square feet.
Since opening in Autumn quarter 2009, the Commons has quickly grown into a dynamic center of College intellectual and social life. The various environments enable students to transition easily from individual work to formal and informal study groups, attend writing workshops, get help from a tutor, or meet friends and faculty at the Café, all in one space.
During the academic quarter, the Commons remains open round-the-clock from Sunday mornings through Friday afternoons; it is also open on Saturdays from 8 AM to 8 PM.
The Common Knowledge Café
Serving a variety of coffee and tea specialties, the Common Knowledge Café is open from 9 AM until 12 AM Sundays through Thursdays, and until 5 PM on Fridays in the East Tower at the main entrance of the Commons. The Café stocks a selection of prepared meals from local restaurants for lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks. The space also features a rotating FOTA student art exhibit.
The Al Weisman Corner
Thanks to a generous endowment, the Commons subscribes to a broad range of newspapers, magazines, and journals covering fine arts, literature, politics, finance, religion, and culture. Our current subscription list includes over 80 titles. Grab a cup of tea at the Café and relax with the latest issue of Economist, Art in America, Utne Reader, or Gray’s Sporting Journal.
Where are the books?
The former Harper Library housed a collection of roughly 60,000 volumes, which were moved to the A-Level of the Regenstein Library in July 2009. Currently, the College is assembling a new, non-circulating collection of books for use within the Commons.
The Renovation
Presently the College is planning a major renovation of the Harper Commons. More details are coming soon.
Contact us
The Harper Commons is located on the 3rd floor of the Harper Memorial Building.
General Information: 773-834-7943
Please leave us your comments and suggestions.
A Day in the Commons
A view inside the University of Chicago Harper Commons over the course of 18 hours. Created by Andrea Rummel, Class of 2014.