Stauffer Library, Kingston

The Joseph S. Stauffer Library, affectionately known as “Club Stauff” by Queen’s University students, stands as the primary social science and humanities library on campus. Located in Kingston, this architectural landmark opened its doors in 1994, the result of a C$42 million project partially funded by the Ontario government and the Joseph S. Stauffer Foundation.

Designed by Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg Architects (KPMB), the library blends Postmodern design with neo-Gothic influences and earned the 1997 Governor General's Award for Architecture. It is also the largest building on the Queen’s campus.

Beyond its size and design, Stauffer serves as a vital academic space. It houses collections in humanities, business, and social sciences, along with specialized resources like government documents, art, newspapers, microforms, maps, and aerial photographs. Dedicated spaces such as the Fireplace Reading Room offer a cozy yet studious atmosphere, while services include support for data and statistics, geospatial data, research data management, scholarly publishing, and open education resources.

Students flock to Stauffer for more than just books. The first floor buzzes with collaborative energy, while the second floor is a go-to for Commerce students. The third and fourth floors are known for their quietude, with the top floor attracting loyal studiers who crave focus and minimal distraction.

From group projects to solo research marathons, Stauffer is both a functional academic resource and a cherished part of student life at Queen’s.