Peking University Library, established in 1898 and previously known as the Book Collection Building of the Imperial University of Peking, was the first national comprehensive university library in China. As the Book Collection Building, its value was “Study knowledge, increase wisdom”. In 1912, the Library changed into the present name. In 1918, Li Dazhao became the Chief Director of the Library, and started laying the foundation for modern librarianship in China. In the year of 1975, the large and well laid-out library building was completed in the center of the campus. And in 1998, the elegant new building was completed to join the old, setting out the construction of a world-class university library.

Over the past 125 years, the Library has relocated from Beijing to China's southwestern frontier and back. Throughout its journey, the Library has served as a sacred space for reading and intellectual enrichment, cultivated on the stretching land of academy and civilization, and evolved alongside generations of Peking University students and faculty. Its history is intrinsically linked with the nation's path and fate. In modern times, the Library ardently supports and embodies the country's ambitions for modern culture and education development and the Double First Class University construction. It unwaveringly adheres to the core philosophy of “Prioritizing Users and Services”, coupled with the foundational principle of “Nurturing Culture with Modesty”. The Library is committed to building a document center, educational platform, cultural shrine, and service oasis for the university community, and has already become a world-class university library with comprehensiveness, innovation, intelligence and leadership.

Peking University Library is now composed of the main library, the Medical Library and faculty branches. With more than 400 librarians provide services, the Library spans over 100,000 square meters, and collects over 10 million pieces of printed documents and over 3PB data storage. The main library operates 112 hours each week and open more than 350 days annually, while also providing online services throughout the day. The Library has also been recognized by the State Council as one of the first batch of National Major Institutions for Ancient Books Preservation, collects 1.6 million pieces of Chinese ancient books.

The Library's affiliated departments include the Secretariat of the Steering Committee for Academic Libraries of China under the Ministry of Education and the Secretariat of the Academic Library Society under the Library Society of China. It is in charge of operating the two national project platforms, China Academic Library and Information System (CALIS) and China Academic Social Sciences and Humanities Library (CASHL). The Library also plays an important role in international communication and cooperation, as being a member of IARU library branch, IFLA and other international organizations.

Peking University Library has been ardently supported by Party and state leaders, the university and society. Generations of librarians deeply care about the country, dedicate themselves to their work, and keep pursuing innovation and excellence. They have made important contributions to the overall development of the university, the common progress of the industry, and the prosperity of national culture. They have played a demonstration and leading role in the modernization process of university libraries. The Library will adhere to its service principle, academic standards and humanity culture, follow the laws of higher education and library development, and strive to create unique value, surpass its own pattern, and move towards the world's top level.

Current Curator: Chen Jianlong

Secretary of the Communist Party Committee: Zheng Qingwen

Updated in October, 2023