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The University of Winnipeg

Study Spaces

The library offers several spaces for individual and group study.

Additional study spaces are available on Centennial's 4th floor once the library closes.

On this page:

Pitcairn Commons

On the library's main floor, far-left corner past the Circulation Desk, lies the Pitcairn Commons.

This multi-purpose area is designed to give students space for personal study, collaborative work, or quiet lounging.

It includes...

  • 7 tables with seating for up to 2 - 6 people
  • 3 single desks
  • 4 privacy carrels
  • 1 older-media carrel
  • 2 couches
  • 6 sofa chairs
  • 1 large wall-mounted whiteboard (whiteboard markers can be asked for at the Circulation Desk)

All of this is housed next to the library's Reference Collection; books for use within the library space only - Cannot be taken out.

Pitcairn Commons from the front Pitcairn Commons from the back

Special Collections Reading Room

When you come up to the 5th floor of the Library, you'll notice a large windowed room with signage indicating Back Periodicals, just left of the Archives. This is also known as the Special Collections Reading Room or the Atrium.

Though located next to a collaborative noise zone, the Reading Room is a quiet zone for whispers only with an atmosphere a bit more private and quiet than nearby areas of the Library.

It includes...

  • 6 long-tables with seating for 1 - 4 people

This room houses our back-issued periodicals/journals collected and rebounded in hardcover, and some of our Special Collections at the back.

Outside the special collections reading room Inside the special collections reading room

Mezzanines

The 5th floor of the Library has 5 mezzanines - raised floors that can be accessed by blue spiral staircases.

These mezzanine floors are additional workspaces that match the noise level of their respected sound zones. There is one mezzanine in the collaborative zone, two in the quiet zone, and two in the silent zone.

Each mezzanine is a little different and will house a variety of...

  • tables with chairs for up to 2 - 6 people
  • study carrels
  • electrical outlets for power to personal devices
  • exits and fire-safety measures in case of emergencies

The second mezzanine of the quiet zone also houses the Center for Rupert's Land Studies.

Mezzazine study space Mezzazine study space

Bookable Study Rooms

There are two locked rooms on opposite West and East sides of the library's main floor that can be booked online or at the Circulation Desk for a max of 2 hours a day per person booking.

These are ideal for your group project needs, presentation practices, online meetings, and video calls. Each room offers...

  • 1 meeting table with seating for up to 8 people
  • 1 or 2 large whiteboards & dry erasers
  • whiteboard markers (provided with the room key upon pickup at the Circulation Desk)
  • 1 projector
  • projector controller (sign-out @ Circulation Desk)
  • Smartboard (West room only)
  • Smartboard pens (sign-out @ Circulation Desk)
  • HDMI cable (sign-out @ Circulation Desk)
  • HDMI to USBC adapter (sign-out @ Circulation Desk)
Inside the West study room Inside the East study room

Rooms can be booked as far as 30 days ahead of time. You must present your UW student card when picking up a room key from Circulation.

If you are more than 15 minutes late to a booking, you risk forfeiting your spot and losing the room. Please notify the library if you will be late, or let us know to cancel your booking if you will not be showing up at all or no longer need the room.

NOTICE: Your UW email must be used to make your booking. If Library staff notice a false email being used to make a booking, that booking will be cancelled.

Room Booking Schedule

Quiet Room

At the very North-East corner of Pitcairn Commons, you will find our Accessible Quiet Room. This is an unlocked, first-come basis room prioritized for individuals with mobility concerns looking for a silent, accessible place to study.

Up to two or three individuals can use this room at a time as long as mutual space and noise is respected. If looking for a few moments of peace, this room can be good for individuals needing to get away from open spaces and lots of people.

This room includes...

  • 1 table
  • 1 electric-control standing table
  • 1 couch
  • 1 dimmable lamp
Door to the accessible quiet study room Inside the accessible quiet study room

Learn more about the Accessible Quiet Study Room

Additional Study Spaces

If the library is closed and you are looking for a good place to work, or simply looking for a change of location during your school day, there are three alternate spots nearby in Centennial Hall that we recommend.

Learn about these additional study spaces.

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