The Powell Library is the main library ont he UCLA campus. Finished in 1929, it's architecture is reminiscent of the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio in Milan, Italy. Having literally 10+ hours to wander the campus during my son's orientation, the library was a highlight. The exterior is undergoing seismic reinforcement, but the interior was pretty spectacular. From the intricate designs and arches to the main dome and extensive use of of both masonry and wood. Apparently Ray Bradbury typed out the first draft of Fahrenheit 451 in the library back in the day. It makes an excellent stop on any walking tour fo the campus and lets be honest it was a nice respite from the heat. read more

I love coming to Powell library for many reasons, they have majestic views, tons of quiet study spots, but most of all, they have awesome sleeping locations As students, it's common for us to stay up all night getting in that last minute assignment done. Well that was me yesterday and I couldn't stay awake. I comfortably knocked out for about a good hour and yo, that helped me out. When I woke up, all my stuff was untouched and everything was good. I realized that this building is just comfortable all around. I can get into my study zone outside the building just by looking at it. Anyways, if you're ever on campus, and you appreciate and classic buildings, definitely check out Powell. #SG #StreetGold read more

UCLA Powell Library - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This is one of the most beautiful libraries in the country, with a huge collection, giant reading room, and iconic architecture. It is located in the main quad of the campus, directly across from the iconic Royce Hall. read more

Lovely. Iconic. It's what I would imagine a university library would be. I never went to UCLA but it's a great library to visit when you're on campus and when you're studying with friends. read more

I used to spend all of my undergraduate evenings at this library, and now that I am done with school I do go back from time to time. The library has many volumes, selections, and it tends to be a quiet place to study, learn, or simply spend time doing work. The vibe is perfect and I highly recommend it. read more

If you ever wanted to know where all the Korean Fobs and all the Persians are at UCLA......... LOOK NO FURTHER! You'll find a lot of the Koreans smokin' on the steps and the Persians in the Main readin' room.... They will either be talkin' "Normal Volume", arm wrestlin' each other, or throwin' pens and pencils at other.... *A great place to study though it gets ridiculously packed durin' finals week..... **Electrical outlets everywhere you go and with your student ID you can check out your very own labtop for a period of 4 hours ***Just bring your student ID card. They are no joke about people who don't belong here or if you can't show ID. You can study here whenever you want but at night they do checks of ID's. ****A lot of times you'll see people sleepin'. I must say it's very comfortable. They have couches, chairs, and people sleep a lot in this library. Also, I'd say it's the library with the best lookin' people. Most North Campus majors study here as opposed to the YRL one with all the south campus nerds. It's Legit. Then again anything UCLA is. read more

For all those who think Powell is an anachronism in this progressive hub we call UCLA, I say who cares. I dare you to find another place at 2am that is packed with over a hundred students all riding that struggle bus, all keeping each other up in this never ending battle against homework. I used to come here all the time between class, venturing upstairs and sitting by those slanted tables or going into the reading room and sitting at the cubbies. Nowadays, I love coming here at night to really motivate myself to study the night away. And the most beautiful thing of all is that Powell is open 24 hours! I can't count how many times I've stayed up all night here. Sure Powell might not look as nice as YRL. But try it for a few nights. I guarantee your grades will thank you. read more

Best library hands down. Quiet, gorgeous with soaring ceiling with amazing details, great ambience with the soft lighting. Staff is always helpful and it's open 24 hours when I was at UCLA--though I believe the security checks for student ID so maybe it's not open to the public. The only thing not to like about it is the parking. It's $10-$12 for a day pass, and it's almost impossible to find free street parking any where near. If you're just here for a few hours, I recommend parking at Broxton, they have 2 hour free parking and no validation is needed. Once you park there you can take the free campus shuttle (no ID needed) in front of Jules Stein Eye Institute so it brings you right up to the Murphy Hall stop, so you don't walk up that hill if you don't want to. I just come here to work from time to time and I love it. I get so much done here without distractions. read more

UCLA Powell Library - Perfect environment to work day and night. Beautiful ceiling and it's always quiet with tons of serious people working. - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

As one of UCLA's most iconic buildings, Powell serves as a tourist destination, a study space, an emblem of hope, and, as the name suggests, a library. During exam seasons, Powell is completely packed, but with good reason. As far as study spaces go, it's reasonably spacious and relatively quiet (or it should be). It is open extra hours during exam season (some nights are 24 hours), and free coffee is provided, which is pretty nice. For the most part, there are enough outlets depending on where you decide to study (or where you end up getting) It is not all phenomenal though. Between the flickering lamps, dirty work spaces (both the computer lab and the desks), and competition for study spaces, Powell does have its flaws. Personally, I find there is too much commotion for me to study here. There seems to always be someone making noises, people walking by (including huge tour groups), or worryingly sick students who don't know how to cover their mouths when they cough in 30 second intervals. Still, Powell isn't all bad, and it does come in clutch at times, and it is very accommodating to students. There's something about being at Powell which compels students to be held to a higher standard than those who came before them. I just wish it wasn't so dark. May Powell cat bless you. read more

*holds up cell phone against ear* OOOOOO Ching-cho... wait that's racist. Yea, don't study here. Either it's too damn loud at times or just too many distractions. Sometimes I walk by the computer aisle and I see people watching porn in public. Jesus christ, no shame. Now for the fun stuff: EVER WANTED TO GET TO THE ROOF OF POWELL?? To access the roof, you need to get into build after hours. This can be achieved two ways: 1.) Tunneling. You have to use a map to know how to break into Powell from there. Not easy, lots of claustrophic crawling. Enter the grate next to that random blue door in the tunnels somewhere and you should find your way. 2.) Finals week. Why break in when Night Powell is open for you. Seriously. So much easier. Now you are on the 3rd floor of Powell, you need to pop open one of the windows. Sometimes it's open for you, sometimes you need to bring an Allen Wrench. More exploring in, you'll find a door to the mechanical room on the side roof. If it's locked, I hope you have a key because I don't know how to shimmy a lock like that. If it's open, it's your lucky day. Go in, find the ladder, and you'll be on the roof. 360 degree view of campus. Wonderful sight. Congrats, you are the king/queen of the world. read more

Why do all the girls who study here dress up and wear tons of makeup during finals week?? It's a freaking library, not Club Powell! read more

I must be the only person in the history of history who has gotten drunk and decided the best plan would be to go to the library and check out Gravity's Rainbow. But, it's a cheaper way to sober up than a movie, and it's not like I was going to understand Pynchon any better if I was sober, anyway. Thanks, UCLA Powell Library, for this valuable late-nite service! read more

Now that I graduated, I must share this with the world. Powell is the absolute worst place to study on campus. Only perks about Powell is that it's open 24/7 during the later half of the quarter, but even then, I'm not so sure it's worth it. The reading room is packed until about 2am & the bathrooms get so disgusting because there's so many students. It's just not worth your time trying to look for a space to sit. Ditch Powell & try these places: - English Reading Room: I swear it's absolutely dead quiet in here more than 90% of the time. So, if you ACTUALLY want to get work done, I highly suggest that you come here. You could definitely hear a pin drop in here. - Young Research Library: How can you not love this place? It's so clean! There's an area on the entering floor for you to go with a group to discuss group work as well. If you go upstairs to any floor, there's desks along on the walls to study at as well. There's no cable cords though, so this is strictly for people who have to read. - Biomedical Library: If you're willing to walk all the way to this library, I suggest you go here to study. IT IS AMAZING. NO MORE WORDS NECESSARY. read more

Dirty, crowded, overrated, rude people.... not conducing to studying at all. Parking: I won't even go there. I don't think UCLA is the most dangerous college in America but Powell library needs improvement. Don't get me wrong, I love the building and the institution itself is not too bad for graduate work. However, the library's atmosphere sucks. Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/most-dangerous-colleges-in-america-2012-11 read more

As a previous poster did, I often referred to this library as Club Powell. It's a lovely library and gives off a very collegiate vibe, but trust me when I say that it's not a good study atmosphere. You're especially ridiculous if you think you can get in good studying here during finals week. You're better off at Denny's. I always thought it would be a good venue for speed dating. Ladies generally look their best with full faces of makeup, miniskirts and cell phones at the ready to gossip about the cute guy sitting across from them. They could work out a rotational system at the study tables for optimum exposure. I recommend going downstairs to the stacks, but desks there are limited to say the least. I've gotten in some good pleasure-reading between classes in the big, cushy chairs in the 2nd floor rotunda, but beware--take your shoes off before curling up. The Powell Police will come for you if they see shoes on the leather. They are also strict about leaving your belongings unattended. It's not quite airport-level security, but it comes quite close. I've never been able to sit in any section of this library for longer than 15 minutes without being spotted and engaged in some sort of study-obstructing activity. I went to Night Powell twice. The first time, I got in a night-long texting frenzy with someone sitting across the room. "What R U studying? Me2. Ur hair looks funny. Is that a new bag? Hold it up." The second time, I fell asleep and woke up to a friend drawing mutated fish on my stomach. And then there was that taser incident. Awkward. My main reason for the low rating is that I came here several times looking for Simone de Beauvoir's "Letters to Sartre" which the Catalog listed Powell as holding multiple copies of. But it didn't. I reported it lost and was told by the Front Desk that they would look for it and/or put in an ILL request for me, but I think they forgot. Checking now, I see that it's being held at SRLF. That would have been useful back before I put in my own ILL request, which I then had to process myself because I worked in ILL at the time. That was frown-inspiring. read more

Wow lots of hatred for the UCLA Library. Normally I am not that school spirited but I do think this is a nice library. It's pretty big and quiet most of the time. You will find lots of people napping and drooling around. I normally don't go to the library much, but I like hanging out in the computer lab while waiting for a class to start. I guess I don't study that much since I never come here at night. I didn't know they card, but I can kind of understand. They just want to protect their students and be anal. It IS the UCLA Library... and not public... sorry to those who can't get in... but it's still a nice library during the day. I love that you can check out laptops in the computer lab and play games. It's very convenient. Umm did I mention I don't study much? As you can see what I do in the library. O=9 Although I must complain about those stairs. I am lazy too! ^_^ Aside all that... the people at the information desk are pretty nice. Everyone is pretty laid back in the day time. Sorry about the night people... I wouldn't know anything about night time since I rather study at home or lack of studying. read more

You MUST be a student to study here late night!!!!!!! Do you know how much of a downer it is to believe that I'd finally found a great LATE NIGHT place to study? The hours state they are usually open well into the morning! I was asked for a Bruin ID card. I was carded at the library? I'm not a student there. I felt so....discriminated against. All I wanted was a place to study, all I wanted was some peace and quiet and good lighting !!!! All I wanted was a Pepsi!!!! but alas, even THAT is prohibited here. No drinks of any sort. Their website informs that only drinks in a ucla spill proof cup are allowed. sooooo.................. Here I go to another late night cafe/diner/deli to get dirty looks from waiters who snidely turn down the air conditioning to hopefully freeze us out of there and blatently ignore our requests for more coffee ! read more

Asians in the library! Asians in the library! Sleeping on the floor, sleeping by the door, sleeping in the morning at four, only to wake up to study more! Ok, so Powell is usually a clusterfudge during midterms & finals week. Parking on the street? Good luck! Getting a table or cubicle? Good luck, unless you wanna sit next to some stressed out student that you don't know who's giving you the stink eye. So either get here early in the day and mark your territory or get here around midnight like I do. I mean after all, it is open 24 hours! (except on Saturdays). Bring ear plugs if you really wanna zone into your studies, I mean it's a great place to study. Occasionally of course you will encounter a few loud and obnoxious students who think they are way too cool to follow common sense and good decorum. Then of course (as pointed out by Ms. Arexandra Warrraace, sorry can't pronounce my Ls), you occasionally encounter those foreign students who speak on their phones by the bathroom doors like the extra 10 feet will actually quiet down their loud chatting. But no fear, if you give them the look like you're trying to make them internally combust with your mind or the normal "shush" routine then they will usually stop. So find a nook, settle in with your book, this is the place to cram, cause Club Night Powell's the place to jam!!! I'm writing this review as I'm actually cramming for a midterm tomorrow at 1. So I know what I'm talking about foolios. A party up in my cubicle right now. read more

The library is somewhat noisy. People sleep on the couches. I saw many homeless people come here to take a nap. They also used the library's restroom and got water from the hose. I enjoy the library in North campus better than Powell. read more

Thinking about times I use to come here and study my ass off gives me shivers. Powell Library is home to the sleep deprived, adderall poppers, seemingly homeless asians (well for finals week at least), and girls looking somehow super dolled up and pretty during ninth and tenth week (how do you do it?! oh you're a comm major? okay it all makes sense now) But for real...this library is aesthetically pleasing and I always felt like I was at Hogwarts when I came and studied here. yes it gets packed and YES there are no food cafes in the library (these two reasons are why i docked off a star) but other than that you can get in the zone here especially if you live in a noisy environment on or off campus. The best thing about it though is the positive energy. It really helped motivate me to study especially seeing everyone else studying (or facebooking...or watching porn...or whatever the hell people were doing while i was trying to write my Kant and the categorical imperative paper..) but it really kept me awake whatever it was. So for the incoming freshman...check it out! you will probably find a better place to study as time progresses but every bruin has a memory here (even if it did suck). And if you didn't notice why ucla stands for You see a lot of asians, you will now... Random tips I wish someone told me: -Always find out the hours. Me and other people I knew have walked out here all the way at five in the morning only to find out that it was closed. Make sure this does not happen to you....the hours are constantly changing through out the year. -Night Powell is only 24 hours during finals and midterms and I think it may only go until 11 otherwise (check on this one) -Sundays they do not open till like afternoon so do not make the trek out here too early. -Always have your Bruincard with you after hours, they have security to make sure only students are in the library late at night -You will find your secret spot here and it will be a good place to set up camp and get in the zone read more

Powell is the busiest library on campus, so good luck finding a spot during Midterms and Finals season. I love the library, though, because to me, it really embodies the college campus library vibe. Pros: - Plenty of outlets - BEAUTIFUL place with tall arches, mosaics, chandeliers - this library is such a pretty place to study. - Clicc Library - you can check out a laptop for 2 hours with a BruinCard! - Variety of seating (when it's available): cubbies, open tables, shared desks - You can find so many books here. Granted, most students don't come here to check out books, but take advantage of this place, and use it for more than just a study place Cons: - Bathrooms are terrifying - you don't know what you'll find. Guess cleanliness isn't a priority for students when they're studying. The 2nd floor bathroom is an improvement, but the one by the book stacks is an atrocity. - SUPER crowded when students have their midterms & finals Overall, I like going to Powell, but if crowds aren't your thing, try YRL or the Biomed Library. read more

Powell is pretty awesome. I have spent many midterms and finals seasons here. It's especially nice when you get a spot with an outlet, and you can camp out for however long you want. If you're planning on staying for that long, I suggest you bring some butt cushions cuz those wooden chairs are not comfy for long hours of studying. My favorite is the reading room., where I used to scout out the areas for open couches to take my in-between-classes naps :D Uh.. I mean, study in between classes :P hehe read more

Absolutely excellent library that has old design books and magazines that help me with my interior design business. The only reason for the four stars is the lack of easy parking and the many rude, creepy students. Even going downstairs to the restrooms was a scary experience. Too many weirdos hanging around down there. And there was a menacing feeling in the air down there. Kind of like from a murder movie. It would be nice if a university would teach social decorum, courtesy, and manners to its students. Student behavior has changed so much for the worse since I went to school not that long ago. read more

What I love most about Powell Library--besides the architecture--is the fact that the reading room upstairs is SO quiet! I love that everyone respects the sanctity of the space. If you need to get work done, this is the place to do it. read more

UCLA Powell Library - The reading room - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

With Finals Week and graduation at the footsteps of many UCLA students including myself, we need a safe haven from distractions. Where to go?! Ackerman Union? The grass areas? The Sorority or Fraternity House? The one place where all UCLA students go to study is at UCLA's Powell Library. If you are a freshman, senior, or graduate student, UCLA's Powell Library is one place you'll need to utilize frequently or remember how to get there blindfolded. Located right across the world re-known, Royce Hall, you'll see students with their backpacks come in and out. It was like there was something suspicious going on here. Its just responsible students trying to get their degrees. Don't worry, there is security at Powell Library. I am sure security is suspicious that students want to study :) I haven't fully explored Powell Library. When Finals are coming up, this place feels like a mortuary. Students trying to cram all the information. You'll see halls full of students at tables with books, laptops, and notebooks trying to study, but most of the time are distracted by talking with others. You can reserve laptops that you can use. Just check it out at the library counter and provide your BruinCard. If you have a group of six people, you can reserve a Study Room. The reservation can be made through this site: http://www.library.ucla.edu/clicc/group-study-spaces . You can reserve the Study Room less than 24 hours before the date. Just to let you know, the rooms and overall building are awfully warm. You'll see a lot of students with drinks on the There are restrooms on the lower and upper floors when you need to take a break. For whatever your reason is that you are at UCLA's Powell Library, I hope you accomplished what you needed to do. Usually, its to checkout your potential partner. I really hope my team got an A for our group presentation. Despite, it felt like it was the quietest party at UCLA. You think I write too much? Well, you can call me a Yelp-O-Holic! read more

definitely a study environment. i usually can't study at our place because of distractions. PS3, a big ass TV, and a kitchen. The midnight powell is a must experience.... just talking about it now is nostalgic.... *sigh* the all nighters. i usually like setting camp upstairs because of the fancy ceiling. typical place to study late afternoons to evenings.. I prefer the english reading room at the humanities building afternoonish. read more

Gosh, I love studying here!! And yes, it's not what Alexandria Wallace thinks it is. In any case, I love how there are so many people who study in Powell with you at the same time. I'm one of those people who needs motivation to study and I hate studying in my dorm room when my roommates are sleeping. I just get more tired. But powell is such an amazing place to study. It's nice and quiet, well lit, perfect temperature and I love how there are plugs and sofas everywhere. Depending on what time of day and what type of studying, I like going to different places in powell. During the day time, I like going to the 2nd floor. The loft ceilings and large windows make it a perfect place to study while not feeling too claustrophobic nor trapped. During the evenings, I like going to the 1st floor night powell area because it's brighter and I won't get too sleepy. Plus, it's always nice to secure a place ahead of time before night powell begins. The ground level also has a nice place with individual cubicles. It's a nice secluded area that is really quiet--perfect for nap time! And if I'm looking for just a place to lounge and watch a couple good videos, I like going to the room behind the clicc lab and find a sofa to lounge and stare outside towards south campus. After graduating from UCLA, I can say that powell is one of the places at UCLA that I still reminisce about. Go Bruins! read more

I don't think I could concentrate here. The tables always seem packed and lack privacy the way they're set up. However, no one can disagree: it's a gorgeous structure. It looks like what a library should both inside and out with its historic, architectural flair. The meticulous, decorative details of the ceiling over the main reading room is a must-see. Just being inside makes you feel scholarly. And the reference librarians here are really kind and helpful. Currently there's a black feral cat that roams about its book shelves. I think it adds to the Harry Potter-esque feel :) read more

I took clases at UCLA over the summer. Compared to UCSD's main library, Geisel, this place is rather small. I don't know how students manage to study when the entire world needs to study..a.k.a finals. I know there are multiple libraries, but instead of running from floor to floor, you'd have to run from library to library. In terms of looks, Powell library is much more interesting to me than the spaceship Geisel. But it's a library and you need to get work done! read more

Quiet, super decent wifi. I really like the study cubicles because they go a long way in minimizing distractions read more

UCLA Powell Library - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This library is ugly, shabby, and there are chatty-arse people that make me sympathize Alexandra Wallace, and yet I come here over YRL/the grad school libraries because it's acceptable to study in really unattractive ways and you can move the grody ass couches/chairs to your liking. What I mean is: 1. Sleeping is acceptable at all times here. I was here for an entire day once and there was this guy passed out on the couch the entire time (literally like 8 hours...) and no one bat an eye 2. Turnover is high, people move in and out between classes so I don't find the seat thing to be a problem unless it's midterms/finals week 3. The tiny square tables are too small to be of any actual use than a footstool/ottoman, so that's what they're universally used as so you don't feel like a jackass for studying in comfort 4. You can actually walk in with a beverage if you don't make it obvious I think I just like it better because I study alone (which is why those long YRL couches don't appeal to me anyway), and I tend to stay for long periods of time. Honestly I think I liked my library at my CC better, but when you gotta do your business you can't be picky. read more

"Sorry, all three of these seats are taken." This guy was using his textbooks and jacket to hold spots for his friends, and when two of them came half an hour later they left almost immediately. This is just one example of how Powell, an otherwise amazing library, is ruined by UCLA students. It's not just that the place is crowded -- a good deal of them are sleeping and taking up space for people who come to get work done. Still, it's open 24 hours and you'll probably get more studying done here than in your room. read more

DIRTIEST bathrooms on campus. Always smells really bad and there is never toilet paper. Library attendees are loud and rude, and often bring stinky food like Panda Express. Go somewhere else to study. A read more

This is going to be my first review for UCLA. I hope I'll be there as a student one day. This library was beautiful. I was on the campus for a splash event for students and I had time on my hand so I decided to visit their library. Almost lost count of time :) Would love to spend my time on finals in this place. read more

Just the most beautiful library I have ever been. Impressive on the outside, spacious and quiet on the inside, very classic, old times furniture. Natural light and good temperature. Comfortable chairs and table sizes. Sofas for relaxing. Free wifi. The only reason for not having a 5 star review is that it is not open until midnight! read more

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Gonna miss this place when I graduate :) 24 hours during finals week! Offers bananas and coffee at midnight! A Pokémon gym too! read more

too many undergrads, too many people in general. bathrooms are not clean..especially on the bottom floor -- one word, gross. people are loud..especially during midterm and finals week! it's really annoying and distracting. not much available seating. it's too stuffy..i feel like i'm drowning in a sea of students. otherwise..i would only come here if i had to or if i needed to rent out a study room with a group of people. outside and inside is very gorgeous..not so much of a library i would want to study at. read more

I am overlooking the expensive parking, the trek from parking to the library and the lack of Internet access (these are all obstacles for non-students, which I have been able to overcome) Otherwise, I like this library, it is perfect for me...good studious vibe, but not too intense, young crowd, a little bit of background noise However there are drawbacks: - No Food or drinks allowed (even spill proof coffee cups) - The constant threat of theft - The bathrooms are nasty and need of renovation However, it meets my objectives...and yes the temperature is either scolding hot or freezing Cold read more

Such a beautiful library! I love the overall design and architecture. Great study environment, I get a lot of reading done whenever I am here. I just go straight to the book stacks on the first floor most of the time. Since I'm there usually during the early evenings, it's never that crowded, and it's pretty quiet. read more

I think Powell Library is awesome. I used to come here a lot during my first year at UCLA until I discovered the Science library in Geology Building. There are so many people studying here from day to night. It does motivate me to participate in the crowd, but sometimes too many people freak me. - Ground floor: This is where I hang the most. I get lots of work done down here as well as nap time. Besides the big tables that you have to share with three or more people, you are given these cubicles near the book stacks. It's more silent in ground floor than any of the upper floors. - First floor: I've never liked to go to first floor. It always feels stuffy even though the light is perfect during the day as well as night. I only go here to borrow the clicc laptops. Speaking of which, there is also a CLICC computer lab that charges 10 cents for a black and white page. WTH! That is so ripped off. - Second floor: During the days, I come here more often to check out books from the circulation desk, so I'd like to sit nearby and not waste my time on that 2-hour-limit check out. The circulation desk has almost all the books for all the classes you take, but if they don't, you can tell your professor/TA to have one reserved there. - Third floor: To be honest, I've never been to the third floor since taking the stairs up there from behind the elevator is quite creepy. Powell is a great place to study, but again, a lot of people mention this: It gets super packed pre-midterms and pre-finals so if you plan to camp here, you gotta come as early as before the library opens or an hour or two hours later. read more