Carrels (Open, Locked, and Reservable)

Carrels are located throughout the library and include open, reservable, and locked carrels.

Open Carrels

Open carrels are distributed around the perimeters of the north and south stacks areas. These carrels cannot be reserved.

Reservable Carrels

There are a number of 1-person carrels that may be reserved up to two weeks ahead of time by anyone with a NetID, much like the group study rooms. Please visit the Reserve a 1-Person Carrel page for more information.

Locked Carrels

A library-wide sprinkler installation project will begin in Spring 2026 and last for several months. It will impact carrels in the north stacks on floors 4M, 5, and 6. While work is being completed on your carrel’s floor, you will lose access to the carrel and its contents. We will alert you before the floor is closed, but it will be your responsibility to clear out your carrel of needed items.

Application process

• Complete the online application form. Please indicate on the form where (on what floor or area) you would like to be located.
• You will be notified via email when your carrel has been assigned.
• To obtain the key, bring the notification email to the Memorial Library Circulation Desk.
• Your key will be loaned to you in your library account. At the end of each semester, you can renew the key online, along with any library materials. 
• At the end of the 24 months, or when you are finished with the carrel, return the key to the Memorial Library Circulation Desk

Locked carrel policies

• To qualify for a locked carrel, you must be enrolled in graduate school at UW-Madison, or be an Honorary Fellow at UW-Madison. Your library account must be free of blocks.
• Library books kept in carrels or lockers must be checked out.
• Carrels are assigned for 24 months.
• If you reach the 24 month carrel assignment limit, graduate students may not renew their carrel assignment; Honorary Fellows may request a renewal for the period of the fellowship by emailing Circulation Support.
• Lost and unreturned keys will be assessed a $10.00 non-refundable replacement fee. Failure to pay this fee may result in a block on borrowing privileges and on university records.
• For more detailed information please contact Circulation Support.

Faculty Carrels

Located on the 5th Floor.  Visit the Faculty Carrels page for more information.