In the Know @ the Bentley Library

This February marks 100 years of honoring Black history, an initiative that first started in 1926 when Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week. 

The 17th annual Best Books display has arrived! Our display features more than 300 titles published in 2025 that have appeared on 18 year-end best books lists*, covering a broad selection of fiction and nonfiction across subjects and genres. Some of these books are bestsellers that you'll surely recognize, while others are critically acclaimed works that may have received less publicity or escaped your attention. 

Join us on Wednesday, February 4, for Hearts & Yarns, a relaxed, creative drop-in crafting session with a heart themed twist!

We’ll provide the supplies and guidance—just bring your imagination! Whether you knit, crochet, weave, sew, or dabble in other fiber arts, this is a great chance to share your skills or learn something new.

New to crafting? Come observe, ask questions, and get inspired in a friendly, no-pressure environment.

As we begin 2026, not only can we celebrate the New Year, but we can also celebrate a slew of artistic works that have become free for everyone to use. At the beginning of the calendar year, copyright expires for certain works, and they enter the public domain (PD). Works in the PD are not protected by copyright and are freely available for public use.

This video highlights some of the most notable works to enter the PD in 2026.  

UPDATE: The library will remain closed on Monday, January 26th. We anticipate being able to reopen at 7:30am on Tuesday, January 27th.

Due to the impending storm, the library is planning on being open 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Sunday, January 25th. However, should conditions rapidly deteriorate, we may close earlier to allow staff to safely get home. 

The Bentley University History Department and the RSM Art Gallery are pleased to present African American Cemeteries: Between Erasure and Restoration, photographs and texts by Pauline Peretz and Endika. 

Happy Spring Semester, everyone! We are excited to have the building buzzing with energy again. We know getting back into the academic groove can be a challenge, so we’ve rounded up a few quick reminders to help you navigate our spaces and services. Whether you're looking to study, print, research, or relax, here’s your refresher on making the most of the library this semester.

During the spring semester the normal library hours are:

The Bentley Library is happy to serve as a drop-in space for all community members to explore, discover, and reflect on readings from our book display honoring MLK Day.

Book selections for this special display include Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s own words, as well as his contemporaries, and books by current advocates who were influenced by Dr. King.

The library is back from break! For the next two weeks the we'll be open with reduced hours until spring classes start. Please note that we will be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Regular library hours resume when the spring semester starts on January 20.

Monday–Friday 
8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday
closed

Bentley Library will be closed during the University's winter break — Saturday, December 20 through Sunday, January 4. All staffed services will be unavailable during the break. The library will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026. Please anticipate longer turnaround times for any items you request or questions you submit while we are closed.