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Visitor Privileges

We welcome the community to visit Swem Library and take advantage of the resources and special events we have available! All of our book talks, panel discussions, open houses and exhibits are open to the public. Follow us on social media to get the latest announcements, and stop by to visit!

Library Accounts for Checking Out Materials

As part of a partnership between William & Mary Libraries and Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL), individuals who live in Williamsburg, James City County or York County can receive borrowing privileges at W&M Libraries at no cost. Likewise, W&M students, faculty and staff can receive library privileges at WRL with their W&M ID, including those who do not live in Williamsburg, James City County or York County.

Members of certain organizations receive visitor borrowing privileges as well, including W&M alumni and university volunteers. To find out if you are eligible and sign up, visit our Library Accounts page.

Click & Collect: Contact-free Pick Up

Community members with a W&M Libraries account can now request items online for pick up. Learn more about how to request and pick up materials.

Visitor Borrowing Privileges:

  • borrow books, dvds and government documents
  • check out up to 20 items for 30 days at a time, with one renewal available per item
  • borrow materials from Swem Library, Chemistry Library and Physics Library
  • access to library databases from public computers in Swem Library

Visitors are not permitted to:

  • check out media equipment (iPads, laptops, recording equipment, etc.)
  • borrow materials from the Law Library, VIMS Library, Education Library, or Business Library
  • borrow materials from our Interlibrary Loan Department. Your public library is where you would place these requests.
  • off-site access to library databases 

Visitor borrowing privileges are issued for one year. Your library account can be renewed annually to continue your borrowing access.

Visitors are responsible for:

  • returning all materials by the due date
  • reading and responding to all library notices
  • notifying us if materials are lost or stolen
  • paying all fines and fees for overdue or unreturned items
  • notifying us of any changes in your contact information

Questions?

Contact the circulation desk or call 757-221-3072

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