COVID-19 Updates

Service and Operations Protocols

The John M. Kelly Library is pleased to welcome patrons back to our facilities this September! As local and provincial guidelines continue to change, the information on this page may change. Please check back regularly.

All of our borrowing and academic services will resume. Below you will find common questions regarding the precautions we are continuing to take in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to keep our community safe.

Information on our hours can be found here.

Please email us at kelly.library@utoronto.ca if you have any questions about our COVID-19 protocols.

Only current University of Toronto students, faculty, and staff may enter the Kelly Library. A TCard is required to enter the library. If you do not have a TCard, you will need your student number, UTORid (University of Toronto ID), a valid government-issued photo ID, and proof of registration such as an invoice, confirmation of enrolment letter, or timetable schedule.

Information on how to get a TCard can be found here.

Upon arrival, all patrons will be required to show a “green” UCheck status and proof of vaccination before being granted access to the library. If a patron does not have a mobile phone with internet access, a tablet will be provided to complete the online UCheck screening.

Patrons under the following categories may not have UTORids. Please follow the protocols provided below to enter the Kelly Library. Information on how to get a TCard can be found here.

Patron CategoryProtocol
Researchers visiting the Kelly Library’s Special Collections Reading RoomUnfortunately we are unable to admit individuals who are not current University of Toronto students, faculty, or staff at this time. Please reach out to our Special Collections Reading Room if you have any questions.
USMC Extramural Users, Including Alumni UsersUnfortunately we are unable to admit individuals who are not current University of Toronto students, faculty, or staff at this time. We are, however, able to offer circulating materials to our Extramural Users through Curbside Service. When placing a loan hold on an item using the online catalogue, please indicate “Extramural User: Curbside Pickup” in the notes field. You will receive a notice when the item is available for pickup.
Non-conjoint TST studentsUnfortunately we cannot admit students to the library who do not have an active UTORid. We are, however, able to offer circulating materials to Non-conjoint TST students through our Curbside Service. When placing a loan hold on an item using the online catalogue, please indicate “TST Non-conjoint: Curbside Pickup” in the notes field. You will receive a notice when the item is available for pickup.

Please reach out to us at kelly.library@utoronto.ca if you have any questions.

All current University of Toronto students, faculty, and staff may enter the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies Library, located on the fourth floor of the Kelly Library. Information on hours of operation is available here.

Yes. The Kelly Café is open and is again offering food and beverage service and we welcome you to relax and enjoy a meal in the space. All patrons entering and using the Kelly Café must observe physical distancing.

Patrons are required to wear face masks while in the Kelly Library building, except while consuming food in the café or beverages. This will be enforced. Patrons are encouraged to observe physical distancing in the library. Physical distancing is required while in the Kelly Cafe.

Patrons are permitted to drink beverages while in the library building. Food may only be consumed in the Kelly Café. This will be enforced.

All current University of Toronto students, faculty, and staff wishing to access the Special Collections Reading Room must do so by appointment. Information on hours of operation and booking an appointment is available here.

No. Our group study rooms will remain closed until further notice.

While all our floors, study areas, and borrowing services have resumed in-person at the library, we will continue to offer the majority of our academic and references services remotely using virtual meeting spaces, email, or by telephone. All research and writing help consultations will take place online for the Fall term.