Hale Library Kansas State University
A beautifully renovated academic hub blending historic charm with modern study spaces and advanced resources.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better Wi-Fi
Hale Library Kansas State University
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better Wi-Fi
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully renovated academic hub blending historic charm with modern study spaces and advanced resources.
"A wonderful mix of modern and historic, everything you would need to excel academically is here. "
🔌 Bring a long charging cable
Outlets can be high and far from tables. A longer cable ensures you can comfortably reach your device.
📶 Seek higher floors for Wi-Fi
Main floor Wi-Fi can be slow. Move to upper levels for a more stable connection.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Room
3rd Floor
A spacious, high-ceilinged study haven offering a quiet and focused environment. Perfect for deep dives into your coursework.
Modern & Historic Blend
Experience a beautiful fusion of post-fire renovations and original architecture, creating a unique academic atmosphere.
Automated Book Retrieval
Witness the state-of-the-art system that delivers requested books directly to you. A glimpse into the future of libraries!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Study Hours
Tech & Comfort Check
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Library Road Trip
🔌 Bring a long charging cable
Outlets can be high and far from tables. A longer cable ensures you can comfortably reach your device.
📶 Seek higher floors for Wi-Fi
Main floor Wi-Fi can be slow. Move to upper levels for a more stable connection.
KU opens libraries to K-State students after library fire
🤫 Respect quiet zones
These areas are for focused study. Be mindful of noise to maintain the atmosphere.
🙋♀️ Ask staff for help
The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Don't hesitate to ask questions!
Tips
from all over the internet
🔌 Bring a long charging cable
Outlets can be high and far from tables. A longer cable ensures you can comfortably reach your device.
📶 Seek higher floors for Wi-Fi
Main floor Wi-Fi can be slow. Move to upper levels for a more stable connection.
🤫 Respect quiet zones
These areas are for focused study. Be mindful of noise to maintain the atmosphere.
🙋♀️ Ask staff for help
The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Don't hesitate to ask questions!
📚 Explore diverse study spots
From individual cubicles to conference rooms, find your perfect study environment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hale Library is praised for its impressive post-fire renovations, blending modern amenities with historic charm. Visitors appreciate the diverse study environments and the exceptionally helpful staff. However, some find the weekend hours limited and note minor inconveniences with outlet placement and Wi-Fi consistency on the main floor.
"The improvements that have been made since the fire are really impressive. This was an amazing library before, but now it is a wonderful mix of modern and historic. Everything you would need to excel academically is here."
Shelley Camba
"Great place to study and yet the hours are so short on convenient days to study. seriously, 5 hours on a Saturday while the Manhattan public library is open longer than that by almost double.
Update
The time that Hale library is now open is better but it seems that it increases the time in the wrong spots. Granted the weekdays is when the students are active most so it would make sense to be available more on the weekdays. However, there are those who take the time on Saturday to bust through homework, including myself. Why on earth the library has had it's hours extended on Saturday by just ONE HOUR is beyond me. I understand you don't want to be open so late.
But opening at 1pm is a bit late in my opinion. I am much more understanding of Sunday opening later in the day but even then there are those who still want to come here to study as their dorms or homes are way too distracting. I don't expect 24/7 availability. Some expect that out of a university (and I can't blame them). My expectations are having availability at a proper time. 10am isn't too much to ask and closing at 7pm or even to 8pm isn't to much to ask either. But 1pm to 12am? On a sunday?
And no, having the 24/7 open study area that's also a cafe area isn't what I'd call a good substitute. The Library gives a study atmosphere and the 24/7 open study area does not. It feels more social and gives a "Time for a break" vibe more than anything.
end update
The Great room isn't so great with all the chairs creaking and cracking with every little movement you do. It's supposed to be the most quiet room and in order to try and follow that you have to remain absolutely still when sitting in these chairs. Outlets for electronic devices are too high up on the wall. seriously you'll have to hug the end of the table just so you can HOPE your cable reaches your laptop. Picture included.
Internet is fairly mediocre on the main entrance floor due to high traffic. Even being on the computers that have Ethernet access have difficulties. Being on other floors does improve this issue, but I shouldn't have to move where there is less internet/Wi-Fi traffic just to be able to log into canvas (K-States class portal where you can get assignments, see grades, etc.)
Those are my main gripes with the place and they are nuisance and yet easy to fix. Granted the library is fairly modernized but a few areas seem to be incredibly neglected and they play a big role.
I'd also like to point out that this is a 4 floor building and is incredibly large in size. Study areas are plentiful but on finals it does get stuffy at first but gets less stuffy each day. I can't say that there "isn't enough" spots to study as I have been at k-state for 2 years and have always found a place to sit down and study (unless your seeking to have a table/area to yourself). Entrance floor (floor 2) is the one where you will have difficulties finding a spot from time to time as again that's where the majority of students are. (makes for a nice social/study atmosphere)
Quiet floors are quiet 95% of the time. You'll get a team or group of students, who are incredibly ignorant of their fellow students trying to study, from time to time walking by. Just hope that they won't sit down close to you. Having a quiet area and suddenly a loud bunch really can be distracting. HOWEVER! If you report this to the staff will be able to take of it. I rarely have to do that thankfully. And when I say rare I mean 1 year so far since I have reported to the staff of a loud group. This building is large and is a COMMUNITY effort to keep the rule of silence (and others) enforced.
Staff is amazing which is whats really holding the place up with my rating. Super friendly and willing to help you with anything. They are knowledgeable about the system and really keep the place nice and tidy. Keep up the good work staff! Really appreciate it."
Michael Toy
"Excellent! Feels like walking into a castle just with book adventures!"
Mark McClure
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hale Library is centrally located on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan, Kansas. Visitors can typically park in designated visitor lots or garages around the campus. Public transportation options may be available within Manhattan, but driving and parking are common for students and visitors.
Yes, there are several parking options near Hale Library. Visitor parking is available in nearby garages and lots. It's advisable to check the K-State Parking Services website for the most current information on parking availability and fees.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to reach Hale Library. You can set the library as your drop-off location, and it's easily accessible from various points in Manhattan.
Hale Library is a prominent building on the K-State campus. Using a campus map or a GPS navigation app set to 'Hale Library, Kansas State University' will guide you directly to its location.
Hale Library has multiple entrances. The main entrance is typically on the second floor, which is also the primary access point for most visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Hale Library is a public university library and generally does not require tickets for entry. Access is typically free for K-State students, faculty, staff, and the general public.
Hale Library's hours vary, especially on weekends and during academic breaks. Weekdays usually offer longer hours, while Saturdays and Sundays have more limited availability. It's best to check the official K-State Libraries website for the most up-to-date hours.
Yes, Hale Library is open to the public. While students, faculty, and staff have full access to all services, community members can utilize many resources, including study spaces and public computers.
Hale Library occasionally hosts exhibitions and events. Check the K-State Libraries' events calendar online for information on current or upcoming happenings.
Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded than afternoons or evenings. During peak study times like finals week, the library can become very busy.
🎫 💻 Onsite Experience
Hale Library offers a diverse range of study environments, including individual carrels, group study rooms, open desks, and the spacious Great Room. There's also a 24/7 study area with a cafe.
Wi-Fi can be inconsistent on the main entrance floor due to high traffic. For better connectivity, it's recommended to move to the upper floors.
Yes, power outlets are available, but they can be positioned high on walls, potentially requiring longer charging cables to reach your workspace comfortably.
Hale Library provides public access computers for patrons. These are useful for research, accessing online resources, and completing coursework.
The quiet floors are generally very peaceful, with a strong emphasis on maintaining a silent environment for focused study. Staff actively enforce these rules.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the main library areas are generally for quiet study, there is a 24/7 study area that also functions as a cafe, allowing for food and drinks. It's best to consume food and beverages away from the primary quiet study zones.
Yes, Hale Library features a 24/7 study area that includes a cafe, offering a convenient spot for refreshments while studying.
Vending machines are typically available in designated areas, often within or near the 24/7 study space, providing snacks and drinks.
You can bring your own food and drinks, but it's considerate to consume them in the designated cafe/24-7 area to maintain the quiet study atmosphere in other parts of the library.
Yes, the K-State campus and the surrounding Manhattan area offer numerous dining options, from campus eateries to restaurants and cafes just a short walk or drive away.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted in public areas of Hale Library. However, it's always a good idea to be discreet and avoid disrupting other patrons or study activities.
Yes, the architecture of Hale Library, especially its blend of historic and modern elements, is quite photogenic. You can capture images of the building's interior and exterior.
While casual photography is usually fine, professional or commercial photography may require special permission. Avoid using flash in quiet study areas and be mindful of people's privacy.
The Great Room on the third floor, with its high ceilings and grand atmosphere, is a popular spot. The renovated sections showcasing the modern design are also excellent for photography.
Similar to photography, casual video recording for personal use is generally acceptable. However, extensive filming or commercial video production might require prior approval from library administration.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, it's important to note that the core purpose of Hale Library is focused study. The quiet zones are strictly enforced, so extensive exploration with very young children might be challenging. Consider visiting during less busy times or focusing on the more communal areas if you're bringing children along.
📚 Students Seeking Study Havens
Be strategic about your visits. Weekday mornings are often the least crowded, offering prime spots. During peak times like finals, securing a good seat might require arriving early. Familiarize yourself with the Wi-Fi situation and consider bringing a longer charging cable to ensure a comfortable study session.
🤓 Researchers and Academics
Take advantage of the specialized assistance offered by the library staff, who can guide you through research databases and resource discovery. The automated book retrieval system can also expedite access to physical materials, streamlining your research process.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Post-Fire Renaissance
This blend of old and new is evident throughout the building. You can find spaces that honor the library's past while incorporating cutting-edge technology and design. The commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing the future is a key aspect of Hale Library's appeal, making it more than just a place to study, but a destination in itself.
Navigating Study Spaces and Amenities
However, it's important to be aware of practical considerations. Power outlets can be inconveniently placed, often requiring longer cables. Wi-Fi performance can vary, with the main floor sometimes experiencing high traffic and slower speeds; moving to upper levels often resolves this. The 24/7 study area, while convenient, offers a more social atmosphere than the strictly enforced quiet zones.
The Staff: The Heart of Hale Library
This dedication from the staff is crucial, especially in enforcing the quiet study rules on designated floors. Their proactive approach to assisting visitors and keeping the facility tidy contributes significantly to Hale Library's reputation as an excellent academic resource. It's clear that the human element at Hale Library is just as important as its impressive facilities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit