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Visitor Library Privileges

Visitor Borrowing Privileges

  • allow you to borrow books, government documents, music scores, and music recordings
  • allow you to you check out up to 20 items for 30 days at a time, with one renewal available per item
  • allow you to borrow materials from us and our branch libraries (Music, Chemistry, and Physics)
  • do not allow you to check out media equipment (iPads, laptops, recording equipment, etc.)
  • do not allow you to borrow materials from the Law Library, VIMS Library, Education Library, or Business Library
  • do not allow you to borrow materials from our Interlibrary Loan Department.  Your public library is where you would place these requests.

For your privacy and protection, we require that you present your I.D. (drivers license etc.) card each time you borrow materials.

How do I apply for visitor borrowing privileges?

To be eligible for a visitor borrowing card, you must live in Williamsburg, James City County or York Count, or be a member of one of the following organizations.

To apply, you must come to the circulation desk and present a current picture ID with a Williamsburg, James City County or York County address. If you are a member of one of the affiliations listed below, you must provide proof of current membership with the appropriate organization.

Visitor borrowing privileges are issued for one year or for the length of the special program, whichever is shorter. However, privileges can be renewed with proof of continuing membership in the organization. 

Which patrons are eligible for free Swem library borrowing privileges?

Simply present a picture ID and proof of current membership in one of the following:

  • W&M Board of Visitors
  • Campus ministers
  • Christopher Wren Association members
  • Colonial Williamsburg Foundation employees
  • Government Document borrowers
  • Jamestown-Yorktown/APVA research staff
  • Jefferson Lab employees
  • Muscarelle Museum docents
  • National Center for State Courts research staff
  • President's Council members
  • Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing Program (OCLC-sponsored program)
  • REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) Summer Program
  • Shakespeare Festival
  • Sir Francis Nicholson Society members
  • Sir Robert Boyle Society members
  • St. Leo's College current students
  • Tidewater Consortium Stduent or Faculty
  • Virginia Consortium for Professional Pychology
  • Virginia Constortium of Engineering & Science University
  • Virginia Teachers
  • VIVA
  • Volunteers at W&M
  • W&M alumni
  • W&M/VIMS faculty's spouses, partners and children
  • William & Mary Center for Archaeological Research (WMCAR)
  • Williamsburg Regional Library current employees

I’m not a member of any of those organizations. Can I still apply for a Swem borrowing privileges?

Unfortunately, you must fall into one of these categories or live in Williamsburg, James City County or York County to receive borrowing privileges.