Maynooth University has a spacious library named ‘John Paul II Library’ located right in the center of the University. It is easy to access for students from both the North and South Campuses. The library has several books (including eBooks) and electronic journals that help students access what they wish to read, gain knowledge, and progress academically.

It is accessible to all students, make sure you have your student ID card while going to the library. 

the MU library also provides various training courses and skills that help students gain information and enhance their knowledge efficiently and ethically. For example, the Maths Support Centre has been a fantastic resource for many students mainly undergraduate students. The ground floor also has a huge computer space with over 200 computers which are used for academic research, working on and printing assignments, and doing individual projects. The library staff has been very supportive in helping and guiding students on any questions related to the library. 

Self-service machines downstairs make the book loans and returns process quick and easier. For book loans, MU library has options with a few books for each category like long-term, weekly, 2-day, and 1-day loans. My suggestion for upcoming students would be to find the right textbook at the start of the semester and grab the one with a long-term loan before other peers get it. But there is a catch! There is a limit to the number of books that can be borrowed in each category. So, use other categories like weekly loans and 2-day loans for grabbing books during assignments and exams. Don’t forget to return them before the loan term ends, as it would be costlier to have penalties. 

For studying individually, there are loads of silent study spaces available on the first and second floors just around the bookshelves. These spaces are convenient both for reading and using your laptop as every seat gets the power supply and charging slots. The library also facilitates group study rooms which are accessible only with prior bookings on an hourly basis. Booking should be made through the Maynooth University library webpage. This is one of the most utilized facilities by Postgraduate students considering the amount of group work involved in their modules. Thus, it is hard to get the rooms instantly, so plan the meeting as early as possible and book the room in advance before it gets occupied. 

There are several other facilities in the library building such as energy pods, a coffee shop, and an IT desk. I have enjoyed using the energy pods to get a super quick nap while studying for a longer duration. It also hosts a coffee shop which is a great place to hang out with friends in a break after studying. IT desk helps resolve all your queries about photocopies, printing, and other general IT-related questions.

Last but not least, the Maynooth University library web page provides every single detail about the facilities from knowing the location of your book to booking group study rooms and whatnot. If you wish to know more about the library and its resources, don’t hesitate to open this weblink. 

While talking about the library, I can’t forget to mention the MU Library Cat, ‘Séamus’ which has been living in his permanent little house right next to the library since 2018. There is also a saying that petting the Séamus during exam time brings good luck. This handsome boy deserved a documentary, so the Creative Digital Media students from TU Dublin made a little film about him.

Want to watch the documentary of Séamus – Click here.