can't access user library folder mavericks

Hold down the option key and select Library from the Go menu in Finder.

Or, show the View Options for your Home folder. There is a checkbox to show the Library.

What Barney said

But then drag the little Library icon from the top center of that window into the favorites column on the left and it will stay there. I first did it under Mountain Lion and it has stayed there thru the "upgarde" to Mavericks

You can do the same thing with the System Library folder, but maybe keep them well apart to avoid confusing yourself

NOTE: In Lion and Mountain Lion the Home/Library folder is now invisible. To make it permanently visible enter the following in the Terminal application window: chflags nohidden ~/Library and press the Return key - 10.7: Un-hide the User Library folder.

For Mavericks, 10.9, go to your Home folder and use the View ➙ Show View Options menu to bring the this window:

OT