The Rubenstein Library reading room is open to the public. Visiting researchers are encouraged to contact us before planning a visit. Please delay your visit if you are experiencing any COVID-like symptoms.
Before you arrive
- We recommend consulting with a reference librarian prior to your visit to ensure that you get the most out of your time at the library.
- Register as a researcher: This one-time researcher registration process is easy. You will create an online research account you can use to request material for use in our reading room, make scanning and digitization requests, and track the status of your requests.
- Request the material you want to use: Submit your requests 4 full business days in advance of your visit. Most of our collections are stored at the Library Service Center, our off-site storage facility. You will receive an email once your materials arrive on-site and are ready to be viewed. Please note: Restricted collections that need screening by staff may take longer than 4 days to be made available.
- Learn more about planning your research visit and what to expect in our reading room.
- If you have mobility and/or access concerns that require parking accommodations, submit a Visitor Accommodation Request through the University's Disability Management System.
Where we are
The Rubenstein Library is located on Duke University's West Campus, alongside the William R. Perkins Library and Bostock Library. You can get to the Rubenstein Library by entering through the tower entrance. Our reading room is straight ahead, after you pass through the stone foyer.
Our physical address is:
411 Chapel Drive
Durham, NC 27708
Download a map of our location on campus.
The Rubenstein Library does not have a dedicated parking lot, so please review the information below to plan for parking.
Parking
The closest visitor parking to the Rubenstein Library is at the Bryan Center Parking Garage and Visitors' Lot. It is a 5-10 minute walk from the library. Download a map with walking directions from the Bryan Center.
- Bryan Center Parking Garage (Parking Garage IV, 135 Science Dr, Durham, NC 27705): $2 per hour or $12 a day
- Bryan Center Visitors' Lot, just outside of the parking garage: $2 per hour with a 2-hour time limit
- If you have mobility and/or access concerns that require parking accommodations, submit a Visitor Accommodation Request through the University's Disability Management System. Please submit your request at least 5 business days in advance of your visit.
- Due to sports games and other campus events, there are times when these parking locations are full or closed to the public. During evenings and weekends, free parking is available on some streets surrounding West Campus and in select parking lots. Get more information about visitor parking at Duke.
Buses
The easiest way to reach the Rubenstein Library from elsewhere on campus is to take a free Duke Transit bus to West Campus. The main East-West bus (C1) runs seven days a week during the academic year. Duke Transit buses are open to visitors. Read more about Duke's bus service (including holiday and summer schedules).
Public transportation
Bus service is available to Duke's Campus from GoDurham and GoTriangle:
- GoDurham Route 6 Chapel Hill St – Duke/VA – Crest St (Free through June 2025)
- GoTriangle DRX Downtown Raleigh | NC State University | Downtown Durham | Duke ($2.50 fare)
- Additional GoDurham routes (11, 11B) and GoTriangle routes (400, 405) have stops along Erwin Road, from there it is a 15 minute walk through campus to the Rubenstein Library.
Check the GoDurham and GoTriangle websites for additional information on schedules, fares, and connections to other routes.
Rideshare
Rideshare services and taxis are restricted from picking up or dropping off passengers at many locations on Duke's campus. The closest location available for pick up and drop off is 411 Telecom Drive, Durham, NC 27708, which is behind Perkins and Bostock Libraries. Download a map with walking directions from this location to the Rubenstein Library.
Driving
These driving directions will guide you to the Bryan Center Visitors' Lot and the Bryan Center Parking Garage, which are the closest visitor parking to the Rubenstein Library. Step-by-step directions are also available from Google Maps.
From Chapel Hill on NC 15-501
- Where 15-501 North and 15-501 Business split, stay right to stay on 15-501 North, signs for Downtown Durham, Duke University and Medical Center.
- Take Exit 107 for NC-751 toward W Campus/Duke Univ and turn right onto NC 751 (Cameron Boulevard).
- At the second traffic light on Cameron, turn left onto Science Drive.
- Continue straight, through the traffic light
- After the traffic light, take the second right into the Bryan Center Visitor's Lot. You can park in the Bryan Center Visitor's Lot, or you can proceed to the Bryan Center Parking Garage immediately on the right.
From Raleigh on I-40 West
- From I-40, take Exit 279B for 885 North to NC 147, signs for Downtown Durham
- Take Exit 9 for NC 147 North, signs for Downtown Durham, continue for 3.7 miles
- Take Exit 4A for Chapel Hill Street. Turn right onto Chapel Hill Street and continue (the name changes to Duke University Road) for 1.5 miles.
- Turn right onto Towerview Road
- At the traffic circle, continue straight on Towerview Road
- Turn right at the traffic light, onto Science Drive.
- Take the second right into the Bryan Center Visitor's Lot. You can park in the Bryan Center Visitor's Lot, or you can proceed to the Bryan Center Parking Garage immediately on the right.
From Greensboro on I-40 East and I-85 North
- Take I-40/I-85 until I-40 and I-85 split. Keep left to continue on I-85 North.
- Take exit 172 for NC-147 South, toward Durham/Research Triangle Park/Downtown. Continue on NC-147 S for 1.5miles.
- Take exit 7B for US-15 S/US-501 S toward Chapel Hill. Keep right to take the first exit, Exit 108A, follow signs for Morreene Rd.
- Turn left onto Morreene Road. After the intersection at Erwin Road, Morreene Road becomes Towerview Drive, continue straight.
- At the first traffic light (second intersection), turn left onto Science Drive.
- Take the second right into the Bryan Center Visitor's Lot. You can park in the Bryan Center Visitor's Lot, or you can proceed to the Bryan Center Parking Garage immediately on the right.
From the North on I-85
- From I-85 South, take exit 174A for US-15 S/US-501 S
- Take Exit 108C-B-A for Durham Freeway/Morreene Road
- Take Exit 108A, signs for Morreene Rd.
- Turn left onto Morreene Road. After the intersection at Erwin Road, Morreene Road becomes Towerview Drive, continue straight.
- At the first traffic light (second intersection), turn left onto Science Drive.
- Take the second right into the Bryan Center Visitor's Lot. You can park in the Bryan Center Visitor's Lot, or you can proceed to the Bryan Center Parking Garage immediately on the right.
