Library spaces
Find the ideal environment for focused study, group work, or quiet reflection. NTU Libraries offer a variety of spaces designed to support your learning and wellbeing.
Choosing a Study Zone
We offer a three-colour zone system that provides specific study environments to suit different individual needs.
Green Zones are for studying in a group – look out for the green banners that indicate an area is designed for group study.
These are open-plan group areas and available at all libraries. Facilities include study tables, PCs, and power sockets for laptops.
You can book a Group Study Room for up to two hours per day per group using our online booking service.
Amber Zones are for quiet, individual study – look out for the amber banners that indicate that an area is a quiet zone.
You can have brief conversations with other students in these areas, but keep in mind they are designed for quiet study.
Some of the tables have power sockets for laptops and PCs.
Red Zones are silent spaces for individual study – look out for red banners to indicate an area is a silent zone.
Facilities you will find include study tables with power sockets for laptops and PCs.
Our study spaces
The interior of the Knowledge Cafe, located in Boots Library.
The Knowledge Café
The Knowledge Café is our hub for creative and collaborative learning, located in Boots and Clifton Libraries.
At the Knowledge Café, you can:
- Use the space to work alone or as a group.
- Attend an academic skills or maths and stats appointment with a Library Student Mentor or a member of the Learning and Teaching Team staff.
- Drop in for instant support from a Library Student Mentor or a member of the Team.
- Browse our curated collection of study skills and well-being resources.
Available facilities
- Interactive whiteboard.
- Group tables and chairs.
- Study skills and well-being collection.
The interior of the Family Study Room at Boots Library.
Family Study Room
The Family Study Room, located on Level 1 of Boots Library, provides a dedicated space for users who need to study while supervising a child. It is designed to support those who may find it difficult to meet their study commitments due to childcare responsibilities.
Facilities:
- 2 PC workstations for adult use with a playpen attached for small children
- 1 low square table with 2 small chairs, suitable for small children
- 2 reclining armchairs
- 1 baby change unit
- Toy decals attached to walls
- Children’s books provided
- Space for pushchair/baby carrier.
Opening times:
- Monday - Friday: 8.30 am - 9 pm
- Saturdays: 9 am - 5 pm
- Sundays: 11 am - 7 pm
Booking the room:
You do not need to book the Family Study Room, but priority use will be given to those who have booked.
For information on how to book, please speak to a member of library staff in person, or phone us on 0115 848 2175.
Other Library spaces
Interior of the The Glow Sensory Room.
Sensory and Wellbeing Rooms
The Glow Sensory Room (Boots, Clifton, and Brackenhurst Libraries)
A calming space to reset with sensory lighting, comfy chairs, weighted blankets, and fidget toys.
These rooms offer a calm and inclusive environment to support focus, relaxation and sensory regulation. They have been designed with neurodivergent students in mind, but are open to anyone who would benefit from a peaceful retreat from the hustle of campus life.
Soothing lighting, comfortable seating, and a range of sensory tools are all used to help you regulate.
The Rest Nest (Boots Library)
A wellbeing room for relaxation and recharging.
The Haven (Boot Library)
Located in Room BTS 309 of Boots Library, The Haven is a space for reflection, meditation, prayer, and stillness. It offers staff and students of all faiths, a welcoming place to find peace, solace and support for their emotional well-being.
The Haven is open to everyone in the university community.
Reasons to use The Haven:
- Available for reflection, solace, meditation, prayer and stillness.
- It is a quiet space, not a meeting room or social gathering space.
- No food or drink is allowed to be consumed in The Haven.
- All digital devices must be switched off or on silent mode.
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8.30 am to midnight
- Saturday: 9 am to midnight
- Sunday: 11 am to midnight.
Penelope Pods (Boots, Clifton, Mansfield, and Brackenhurst Libraries)
Discover our new Penelope Pods, modern, phone booth style study spaces designed for comfort, focus and privacy.
Each pod features a built‑in desk and a chair, power, and USB ports for easy device charging, and soft, dimmable lighting to create the perfect environment for calls, online meetings or quiet individual study.
Whether you need a private space to concentrate or a professional setting for virtual conversations, Penelope Pods offer a calm, convenient space within our libraries.
Please speak to a member of staff next time you visit for more information.
Additional information
There are a number of other library-managed study spaces across the City and Clifton campuses.
| Room | Facilities |
|---|---|
| Library@Newton - Area 1 |
|
| Library@Newton - Area 2 |
|
| Library@Chaucer - Level 0 |
|
| Library@Chaucer - Room 1704 |
|
| Library@Chaucer - Room 3801 |
|
| Library@Chaucer - Room 3608 |
|
| Library@Dryden - Level 0 |
|
| Room | Facilities |
|---|---|
| Belgrave - Café Belgrave (level 1) |
|
| Djanogly - lower ground floor |
|
| Waverley - Ground floor |
|
| Room | Facility |
|---|---|
| Pavilion - ground floor |
|
| Pavilion - first floor |
|
| Erasmus Darwin - ground floor |
|
| Erasmus Darwin - Green Zone 207 |
|
There are dedicated study areas for Taught Postgraduate students within City (Boots) and Clifton Campus Libraries. You will need a smartcard to access the study areas.
| Room | Facilities |
|---|---|
Boots Library Level 3
| 45 PCs and study spaces Bookable Group Study Room Group Study Tables |
Clifton
| 14 PCs |
Expected behaviour
Please help us to maintain an environment in which you and other students can learn and study.
Please help us to maintain an environment in which you and other students can learn and study.
- Remember that the library is primarily a place to study. Make sure that you are not disturbing other people by talking loudly. Please put your mobile phone on silent.
- Soft drinks, as well as tea and coffee, are fine as long as they are in non-spill containers.
- We also allow you to bring in cold snacks.
- Litter is unpleasant, so respect your library and other people by clearing away your rubbish. Recycle your waste where possible, using the bins provided.
- Treat fellow library users and library staff with courtesy, respect and consideration at all times.
- Please note, sleeping is not allowed in the library.
Study and PC space is in very high demand and you have told us that it's unfair of students to leave their belongings on PCs and desks and then disappear for hours, meaning that the space can't be used by others. We agree so we've worked with NTSU and others and as a result:
- PCs will automatically log out if not used for one hour so other students can use them.
- Belongings that have been left unattended for one hour will be removed so other students can use the study space.
Don't risk losing your work – log out and free up the study space or it will be done for you.
We'd rather not have to, but if we feel you are not behaving in a considerate way, we may ask you to leave the library. You may also be liable to further action under the NTU's disciplinary procedures.
Take a virtual tour of our libraries
More from NTU Library
Finding your way around the Library
Discover the spaces each NTU Library offers and explore online virtual tours to help you navigate your way around.
Opening hours for Library services
Find opening and closing times for NTU libraries, information desks, and study spaces – including our 24-hour study zones.
Make a Library booking
Book a study space, academic skills appointment or webinar
Visitor information
We offer several options if you want to visit the NTU Libraries and access resources as a member of the public.