North side, accessible entrance at the John Hay Library
This summer, the windows at the John Hay Library will be replaced, and there will also be smaller projects to update spaces above the first floor. As a result of this facilities work, there will be changes to the Hay’s hours and access. Please refer to the John Hay Library website for any changes to our hours and our holiday schedule.
Building-wide
May 31 – September 5
The Hay will be open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Only the first floor will be open to patrons.
August 1 – September 1
The front doors will be inaccessible (emergency exit only).
Patrons will need to use the north side, accessible entrance.
Gildor Family Special Collections Reading Room
May 29 – June 4
The special collections reading room will be closed.
June 5 – August 18
The special collections reading room will be open on this schedule by reservation only. Please see Visiting the Brown University Special Collections for information about scheduling a reading room appointment.
Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 1 – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Thursday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
August 21 – September 1
The special collections reading room will be closed.
Student Lounge
July 31 – September 1
The student lounge will be closed.
Willis Reading Room
The Willis Reading Room will remain open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Bopp, Bruhn, Lownes Rooms
The Bopp Room (3rd floor), Lownes Room (2nd floor), and Bruhn Room (2nd floor) will be unavailable from May 29 – September 5.
Classroom Requests
Please place requests for classes through the Brown University Library Instruction Request Form. Some class sessions may be held in the Special Collections Reading Room, depending on the room schedule, size of the class, and staff availability.
Third Floor
The third floor of the John Hay Library will be closed from May 29 – September 5, including the Anne S. K. Brown Military Gallery.
Operations are founded on the most up-to-date, reliable safety protocols to ensure a healthy environment for our patrons and staff. Please follow all Healthy Brown steps to keep yourself and our community well. If you aren’t feeling well, please make use of the Library’s robust slate of digital resources.
Masking is optional in all Library spaces unless requested by class instructor or meeting host. Wearing masks is strongly recommended for all Brown community members when indoors with large numbers of people, regardless of vaccination status, including on the Brown University shuttle. For information on when masking may be required, see “Return to Campus: Health Precautions and Resources,” a message to returning students from Koren Bakkegard, Associate Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students, and Vanessa Britto, Associate Vice President for Campus Life and Executive Director for Health & Wellness.
Locations, Hours, and Access
Visit Library Hours for the full, updated list of locations and hours.
A Carnegie Library, the John Hay Library is open to the public Monday through Friday. Please note that reservations are required for the Gildor Family Special Collections Reading Room. Email [email protected] to make a reservation. You must also request materials through Aeon one week (5 full business days) in advance of your reservation. See Visiting the John Hay Library for more information.
Alumni and Other Visitors
Individuals who are not current Brown ID holders or current RISD students but who are affiliated with Brown University and would like to enter a University physical location, including all Library facilities, are considered visitors. Please visit Library Visitor Guidelines for complete information before heading to a library location.
Visitors who anticipate using the Rockefeller, Sciences, or Orwig Libraries on an ongoing basis must obtain a Brown University Library card. Alumni can use their alumni card to access the libraries.
Library Support
In-person
Patrons can schedule in-person (and online) consultation appointments with a Library expert by contacting the relevant expert directly. Not sure who to contact? Email [email protected]u for general inquiries and [email protected] for Special Collections inquiries.
Online
Please continue to request materials online through BruKnow. Requested materials will be held at the service desks. Patrons will be notified when the item is available and where it should be picked up. The Library is providing document delivery through the ILLiad system.
Self-checkout
Self-checkout of circulating materials is available at the Rockefeller Library and Sciences Library!
Graduate and Medical Student Carrels
Study carrels are available to graduate and medical students. Interested persons should inquire at the Rockefeller Library service desk.
Guides and videos with information about how to use the Library, conduct various aspects of research, and more are available online.
Feedback
Your Brown University Library is committed to providing all patrons with the best possible academic library experience. Throughout your engagement with Library collections, physical spaces, patron services, instruction, and web-based tools and content, you should be welcomed, valued, and respected, and be provided with equal opportunities to pursue scholarship in a spirit of free and open inquiry.
We encourage your feedback about any aspect of Library services, resources, and facilities. Feedback can be made through this anonymous form, which has an option for inputting your contact information, or you can email [email protected].
Operations are founded on the most up-to-date, reliable safety protocols to ensure a healthy environment for our patrons and staff. Please follow all Healthy Brown steps to keep yourself and our community well. If you aren’t feeling well, please make use of the Library’s robust slate of digital resources.
Masking is optional in all University spaces, including the Library. For information on when masking may be required, see “Approach to Academic Instruction for Fall 2022,” a message to the Brown community from Provost Richard M. Locke.
Locations, Hours, and Access
Visit Library Hours for the full, updated list of locations and hours.
Please note that reservations are required for the Gildor Family Special Collections Reading Room at the John Hay Library. Email [email protected] to make a reservation. You must also request materials through Aeon one week (5 full business days) in advance of your reservation. The Hay’s visiting webpage has more information. A Carnegie Library, the Hay is open to the public Monday through Friday.
Visitors who anticipate using the Rockefeller, Sciences, or Orwig Libraries on an ongoing basis must obtain a Brown University Library card. Cards will be issued upon receipt and approval of a completed Brown University Library Visitors request form. The Library must approve requests for visitors, excluding those with IDs sponsored by a department or program at Brown, Brown alumni, and visitors attending a Library public event. More information.
Library Support
In-person
Patrons can schedule in-person (and online) consultation appointments with a Library expert by contacting the relevant library expert directly. Not sure who to contact? Email [email protected] for general inquiries and [email protected] for Special Collections inquiries.
Online
Please continue to request materials online through BruKnow. Requested materials will be held at the service desks. Patrons will be notified when the item is available and where it should be picked up. The Library is providing document delivery through the ILLiad system.
Graduate and Medical Student Carrels
Study carrels are available to graduate and medical students. Interested persons should inquire at the Rockefeller Library service desk.
Guides and videos with information about how to use the Library, conduct various aspects of research, and more are available online.
Feedback
Your Brown University Library is committed to providing all patrons with the best possible academic library experience. Throughout your engagement with Library collections, physical spaces, patron services, instruction, and web-based tools and content, you should be welcomed, valued, and respected, and be provided with equal opportunities to pursue scholarship in a spirit of free and open inquiry.
We encourage your feedback about any aspect of Library services, resources, and facilities. Feedback can be made through this anonymous form, which has an option for inputting your contact information, or you can email [email protected].
Brown University administration has generously planned an extended Winter Break from the close of business on Thursday, December 22, 2022 through Sunday, January 8, 2023. In order to maintain support of students, faculty, and researchers during this time, while giving dedicated library staff members well-deserved time off, the University Library will be offering limited building hours and services. Please take note of the time-sensitive services listed below so that you can plan ahead and obtain the materials you will need in advance of the break.
Please consult Library Hours for up-to-date hours for each location.
Place orders for Annex, Borrow Direct, and Holds by Dec. 20
Please place orders for materials from the Library Annex and through Borrow Directby 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 20 for pickup on Thursday, December 22. We will be unable to place items on hold during the break. Note that delivery of Borrow Direct materials may vary depending on the operations of our partner libraries.
Which locations will be open? Who can use the buildings?
The Rockefeller Library will be open (without services) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (see exceptions below) with swipe card access for current Brown ID holders only. Visitors without a current Brown ID will not be able to access the buildings. Please see the Library Hours and Locations page for details.
The John Hay Library, Sciences Library, and Orwig Music Library will be closed during the break.
Will you close completely for some days?
All University Library locations will be closed with no on-site or online services on Friday, December 23, Christmas Eve (Saturday, December 24), Christmas Day (Sunday, December 25), and New Year’s Day (Sunday, January 1).
Self-checkout
Self-checkout of circulating materials will be available at the Rockefeller Library and Sciences Library during break and continuing with regular operations.
How can I get help from a library expert?
Limited support for the Brown community and researchers working on time-sensitive projects will be available on the days when we are not fully closed via email at [email protected]. Please allow 12 – 24 hours for a response.
Will Interlibrary Loan be available?
You may continue to place orders through Interlibrary Loan for electronic journal articles. Note that delivery dates and times will vary depending on the operations of our partner libraries.
Can I view special collections material?
Requests for special collections material can be made at any time through Aeon. John Hay Library staff will respond to requests that come in over break beginning the week of January 9. Thousands of items have been digitized and are available for view at any time through the Brown Digital Repository.
Who will be on-site when the buildings are open?
The Library will have security guards in the buildings when they are open by card swipe access. Please note that security guards are not Library employees. They are not able to answer research questions and cannot retrieve library materials.
Happy Holidays!
Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and restful winter break from your Brown University Library!
Operations are founded on the most up-to-date, reliable safety protocols to ensure a healthy environment for our patrons and staff. Please follow all Healthy Brown steps to keep yourself and our community well. If you aren’t feeling well, please make use of the Library’s robust slate of digital resources.
Who can access Library buildings?
Current Brown students, faculty, and staff and current Rhode Island School of Design students can access all Library locations. Reservations are required for the Special Collections Reading Room at the John Hay Library, which is open to the public on weekdays (email [email protected]).
Visitors who anticipate using the Rockefeller, Sciences, or Orwig Libraries on an ongoing basis must obtain a Brown University Library card. Cards will be issued upon receipt and approval of a completed Brown University Library Visitors request form. The Library must approve requests for visitors, excluding those with IDs sponsored by a department or program at Brown, Brown alumni, and visitors attending a Library public event. More information.
Patrons can schedule in-person (and online) consultation appointments with a Library expert by contacting the relevant subject specialist directly. Not sure who to contact? Email [email protected] for general inquiries and [email protected] for Special Collections inquiries.
Online
Please continue to request materials online through BruKnow. Requested materials will be held at the service desks. Patrons will be notified when the item is available and where it should be picked up. The Library is providing document delivery through the ILLiad system.
During regular hours, current Brown and RISD ID holders can swipe through the inside gate at the Rockefeller Library and the Sciences Library. Extended building hours are available to current Brown ID holders only by swipe access at the front door.
Monday–Friday: 9am–5pm Saturday and Sunday: closed
GILDOR FAMILY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS READING ROOM HOURS:
Monday–Friday: 10am–5pm Saturday and Sunday: closed Closed daily 12pm–1pm.
For research in the Special Collections Reading Room, please email [email protected] to request a seat reservation. We are currently limiting use of the Special Collections Reading Room to a maximum of nine researchers at a time. You must also request materials through Aeon one week (5 full business days) in advance of your reservation.
Guides and videos with information about how to use the Library, conduct various aspects of research, and more are available online.
Feedback
Your Brown University Library is committed to providing all patrons with the best possible academic library experience. Throughout your engagement with Library collections, physical spaces, patron services, instruction, and web-based tools and content, you should be welcomed, valued, and respected, and be provided with equal opportunities to pursue scholarship in a spirit of free and open inquiry.
We encourage your feedback about any aspect of Library services, resources, and facilities. Feedback can be made through this anonymous form, which has an option for inputting your contact information, or you can email [email protected].
Operations are founded on the most up-to-date, reliable safety protocols to ensure a healthy environment for our patrons and staff. Please follow all Healthy Brown steps to keep yourself and our community well. If you aren’t feeling well, please make use of the Library’s robust slate of digital resources.
When you come to the Library, please:
Wear a mask over your mouth and nose at all times
Maintain social distance
Help keep your fellow Library patrons and Library staff healthy: Always wear a mask, regardless of your vaccination status. Learn more.
Who can access Library buildings?
Current Brown students, faculty, and staff and current Rhode Island School of Design students can access all Library locations. Reservations are required for the Special Collections Reading Room at the John Hay Library (email [email protected]).
Visitors who anticipate using the Rockefeller, Sciences, or Orwig Libraries on an ongoing basis must obtain a Brown University Library card. Cards will be issued upon receipt and approval of a completed Brown University Library Visitors request form. The Library must approve requests for all visitors except those with IDs sponsored by a department or program at Brown, or Brown alumni. More information.
Patrons can schedule in-person and online consultation appointments with a Library expert by contacting the relevant subject specialist directly. Not sure who to contact? Email [email protected] for general inquiries and [email protected] for Special Collections inquiries.
The stacks at the Rock and SciLi are open, and circulation staff are on-site to check out materials. Thank you for wearing your mask, which helps the Library keep the stacks open!
Online
Please continue to request materials online through BruKnow. Requested materials will be held at the service desks. Patrons will be notified when the item is available and where it should be picked up. The Library is providing document delivery through the ILLiad system.
During regular hours, current Brown and RISD ID holders can swipe through the inside gate. Extended building hours are available to current Brown ID holders only by swipe access at the front door.
REGULAR HOURS:
January 4 – 25:
Monday – Thursday : 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 12 noon – 7 p.m.
January 26 – end of spring term:
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
EXTENDED BUILDING HOURS
For current Brown ID holders only, from January 26 through end of spring term:
Research in the Gildor Family Special Collections Reading Room (first floor):
Monday–Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
January 26 through end of spring term (weekend and evening hours are Brown community only):
Study in the Willis Reading Room (first floor):
Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: closed
Sunday: 12 noon – 10 p.m.
Research in the Gildor Family Special Collections Reading Room (first floor):
Monday – Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: closed
For research in the Special Collections Reading Room, please email [email protected] to request a seat reservation. We are currently limiting use of the Special Collections Reading Room to a maximum of nine (9) researchers at a time. You must also request materials through Aeon one week (5 full business days) in advance of your reservation.
Guides and videos with information about how to use the Library, conduct various aspects of research, and more are available online.
Feedback
Your Brown University Library is committed to providing all patrons with the best possible academic library experience. Throughout your engagement with Library collections, physical spaces, patron services, instruction, and web-based tools and content, you should be welcomed, valued, and respected, and be provided with equal opportunities to pursue scholarship in a spirit of free and open inquiry.
We encourage your feedback about any aspect of Library services, resources, and facilities. Feedback can be made through this anonymous form, which has an option for inputting your contact information, or you can email [email protected].
All Brown University Library facilities and services will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 22, 2021.
Rockefeller Open for Study 12/27 – 12/29
The Rockefeller Library building will be open to current Brown students, faculty, and staff via swipe card on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, December 27 – 29, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Rock will not be staffed during those three days, and patrons will not be able to check out materials.
Full Reopening on 1/4/22
Libraries will open with staff on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. Hours for the new year will be posted on the Library Hours page.
Best wishes to everyone for health, peace, and joy during the break. We look forward to seeing you in 2022!
Your Brown University Library thanks you for all you have done during these past months to keep our staff and patrons safe while using the Library.
In order to make the Orwig Music building more accessible, the door at the accessible entrance is being replaced. The work will occur from Tuesday, October 5 – Wednesday, October 6, necessitating the closure of the entrance. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and look forward to welcoming you through a more accessible door on Thursday, October 7.
The front door will remain open as usual. If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected].
Operations are founded on the most up-to-date, reliable safety protocols to ensure a healthy environment for our patrons and staff. Please follow all Healthy Brown steps to keep yourself and our community well. If you aren’t feeling well, please make use of the Library’s robust slate of digital resources.
When you come to the Library, please:
Wear a mask over your mouth and nose at all times
Maintain social distance
Help keep Brown healthy: Get tested for COVID-19 every week if you are fully vaccinated, twice a week if you are not yet fully vaccinated or have received an exemption. Wear a mask indoors when on campus, regardless of your vaccination status, and outside if you are not vaccinated and social distancing is not possible. Learn more.
Who can access Library buildings?
Current Brown students, faculty, and staff and current Rhode Island School of Design students can access all locations as follows:
Rockefeller Library – without a reservation
Sciences Library – without a reservation
Orwig Music Library – without a reservation (limited hours starting September 7)
John Hay Library – reservations required for the Special Collections Reading Room (email [email protected]); reservations not required for individual study space in the Willis Reading Room
Visitors who anticipate using the Rockefeller, Sciences, or Orwig Libraries on an ongoing basis must obtain a Brown University Library card. Cards will not be issued until visitors have completed the Brown University Library Visitors: Fall 2021 request form. The Library must approve requests for all visitors except those with IDs sponsored by a department or program at Brown, or Brown alumni. More information
Health Protocols
In accordance with University policy, all visitors — regardless of vaccination status — must wear masks indoors, unless in a private, non-shared space (e.g., office or dorm room). Visitors must abide by the policies on the Healthy Brown website and should review the Visitor and Guest Vaccination Requirement.
Library Support
In-person
Patrons can schedule in-person and online consultation appointments with a Library expert by contacting the relevant subject specialist directly. Not sure whom to contact? Email [email protected] for general inquiries and [email protected] for Special Collections inquiries.
The stacks at the Rock and SciLi are open, and circulation staff are on-site to check out materials.
Online
Please continue to request materials online through BruKnow. Requested materials will be held at the service desks. Patrons will be notified when the item is available and where it should be picked up. The Library is providing document delivery through the ILLiad system.
During regular hours, current Brown and RISD ID holders can swipe through the inside gate. Extended building hours are available to current Brown ID holders only by swipe access at the front door.
Regular Hours:
September 3 – 7, 2021:
Friday, September 3: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, September 4: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, September 5: 12 noon – 7 p.m.
Monday, September 6: Closed for Labor Day holiday
Tuesday, September 7: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
September 8 through end of fall term:
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Extended Building Hours
For current Brown ID holders only, from September 8 through end of fall term:
Research in the Gildor Family Special Collections Reading Room (first floor)
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Monday, September 6: Closed for Labor Day holiday
September 8 through end of fall term:
Study in the Willis Reading Room (first floor):
Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, noon – 10 p.m.
Research in the Gildor Family Special Collections Reading Room (first floor):
Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday
For research in the Special Collections Reading Room, please email [email protected] to request a seat reservation. We are currently limiting use of the Special Collections Reading Room to a maximum of nine (9) researchers at a time. You must also request materials through Aeon one week (5 full business days) in advance of your reservation.
Following an extensive infrastructure renovation, the Orwig Music Library will be open for limited weekday hours starting September 7. Please contact [email protected] or call 401-863-3759 for more information.
Reserving Study Rooms
Beginning September 8, current Brown students, staff, and faculty, and RISD students will be able to reserve group study rooms at the Rock and SciLi through libcal.brown.edu.
Graduate and Medical Student Carrels
Study carrels are available to graduate and medical students. Interested persons should inquire at the Rockefeller Library service desk.
Guides and videos with information about how to use the Library, conduct various aspects of research, and more are always available online.
Feedback
Your Brown University Library is committed to providing all patrons with the best possible academic library experience. Throughout your engagement with Library collections, physical spaces, patron services, instruction, and web-based tools and content, you should be welcomed, valued, and respected, and be provided with equal opportunities to pursue scholarship in a spirit of free and open inquiry.
We encourage your feedback about any aspect of Library services, resources, and facilities. Feedback can be made through this anonymous form, which has an option for inputting your contact information, or you can email [email protected].
