University Library

The University Library accelerates learning, discovery, creativity and informed citizenship for the University and state through dynamic collections, expert staff and welcoming spaces.

A student wearing a Carolina sweatshirt sits with library shelves behind her.

Your support of the University Library matters.

The University Library seeks to be an intellectual and creative partner in the mission of the University, the success of every Tar Heel and the vitality of our state. Your support empowers us to realize this vision.

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Students smile while working on laptops at the library.

Empower all students

Prepare all Tar Heel students to reach their highest potential through meaningful employment, affordable academic resources, flexible learning environments and research experience.

A person gestures to a computer screen while a student navigates a mouse and keyboard.

Advance research and discovery

Accelerate groundbreaking research at Carolina and share discoveries openly with the world to facilitate collaboration, democratize knowledge and expand public benefit.

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Enrich lives

Extend the reach and impact of collections for learning, research, cultural heritage and campus history. Connect with and support communities across North Carolina.

Support the University Library

Donor support fuels vital renovations, expands student resources, advances research, extends the reach of collections and enables greater connection with communities across North Carolina. Make a gift today to advance the impact of the University Library. 

University Library Excellence Fund

Provides support to advance teaching and research, build world-class collections, create inviting spaces and support the greatest needs of Carolina’s libraries.

University Library Endowment

Provides support for Carolina’s libraries to remain a lasting resource to inspire learning and discovery for generations to come.

Your support in action

A finger skims the page of a 19th-century doctors' notes in a daybook from the Wilson Special Collections Library

A match met, a fellowship forever

A new book on America’s first opioid crisis grew out of a Wilson Library research fellowship.

Portrait of Olin and Marilyn Setzer Treadway smiling.

Planned gift to University Library honors parents

A retired librarian’s gift will create endowment funds supporting library collections.

Jayne Davis and Jennie Ergott stand side by side with hands on hips in Davis Library.

Invaluable resources lead to student success

Helping transfer students find their place at Carolina

Contact us

Have questions or want to explore how your giving can make the greatest impact? We welcome the opportunity to connect and learn more about what inspires you. Reach out to start a conversation about your philanthropic goals and how you can support the University Library’s mission.

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Jess Aylor

Chief Development Officer

Oversees all fundraising strategies and operations for the University Library, including the Friends of the Library Board of Directors.

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Jack Ahern

Director of Annual Giving and Donor Relations

Leads the University Library’s annual giving and stewardship strategies, focusing on engaging existing Friends of the Library and recruiting new Friends of the Library.

“I’m so glad I invited Undergrad Librarian Dayna Durbin to engage my students on the responsible use of generative AI. The session helped students evaluate information for quality and bias — sparking genuine ‘lightbulb’ moments in the classroom.”

Victoria L. Rovine

Professor, Department of Art and Art History
“Wilson Library staff opened my students’ eyes to archival research — enhancing assignments and deepening their understanding of North Carolina history and democracy. Visiting Wilson is often the highlight of class.” 

Michael Keenan Gutierrez

Teaching Professor, English and Comparative Literature Department
“The libraries are a key to my academic success. Having a space to complete assignments aside from my dorm helps me to maintain a good work-life balance.” 

Siena McGarrigle ‘27

“Libraries feel like an escape from the world. Time moves slower and everything seems a little quieter and calmer.” 

Lucy Marous ‘26

“I enjoy having a space to decompress in between classes. There's always a spot that fits the vibe that I need in the moment, from the busy first floor of Davis to the more secluded corners of Wilson.”

Abby Oldt, MSLS ‘26

“I like the way libraries serve different student populations and needs while still being accessible to everyone because of their cohesion and connection as an united group of resources.”

Summer Stevens

Graduate Student