Welcome!
Visiting a library
Interested in using our libraries, but are not a Harvard student, faculty, alum, or staff? You’re in the right place.
While our libraries primarily serve the Harvard community, we strive to make our world-class research resources available to as many researchers as we can. There are plenty of opportunities for visitors to experience our collections.
Individual Library Guest Policies
Guest policies vary by library, please check with the library before visiting.
Widener Library Guest Policy
As of October 1, 2024, Widener Library has temporarily suspended its guest visitor policy, and only Harvard ID holders will be admitted. Check back here to learn when the guest policy is reinstated. When the guest policy is in effect, Harvard ID holders may bring up to four people (non-Harvard ID holders) with them into Widener Library as visitors.
Events & Exhibits
Many of our events and exhibits are open to the public, and many are virtual.
Special Collections and Archives
Many of our libraries are home to rare and unique materials that can’t be found elsewhere. Those special collections are available to all researchers, regardless of academic affiliation.
- Our special collections and archives are open to all without a fee, by appointment.
- Please contact the holding library to learn more about accessing their special collection items in person.
- Lamont Library’s collection of government documents is available to the public.
See more about how to use our special collections.
Library Access Cards
Library Access Types
If you would like to use Harvard’s library materials, including special collections and archives, and you are not a current Harvard student, faculty, or staff, we offer different types of access.
Special Collections
Harvard Library's special collections and archives are open to all without a fee, by appointment. Please contact the holding library to learn more about accessing their items in person.
Library Access Card
- Access a library’s physical space. You can access reading rooms for consulting general-use in-library materials. Book borrowing and access to restricted stack areas are not included.
- Use computers in the library space, which gives you access to many of our electronic resources.
- Charges may apply for some. See Request Library Access, below, for details.
Library Borrowing Card
- In addition to the access outlined for Access Card holders, Borrowing Card holders can also borrow materials from our libraries.
- Loan periods vary depending on your affiliation.
- Charges apply for some.
How to Request Library Access
Whether you’re renewing an account or requesting access for the first time, please submit an application in advance.
Once your application has been approved, we’ll contact you to complete the application process.
For more information on eligibility and associated fees, please review the options below. If you do not see yourself in any of the descriptions, contact the Harvard Library Access and Borrowing Office and we’ll discuss available access options.
Harvard Alumni
All Harvard alumni are eligible to apply for a Library Borrowing Card, which comes with on-site library access at no charge.
Free
Research Assistants and Library Proxies
If you are working with a Harvard University faculty member, they can sponsor a Library Borrowing Card and submit a request form.
Free | Expires after 1 year or with end of role
Domestic Partners of Harvard Faculty, Staff, and Students
Domestic partners and spouses of Harvard faculty, staff and students are eligible for borrowing and access to Harvard’s libraries. You will be asked to show a government-issued ID and a copy or picture of your partner’s HUID. If you and your partner’s last names are different, we ask that you also bring a copy of a lease, utility bill, marriage certificate, or other piece of official mail with both names listed as residing at the same address.
Free | Expires after 1 year or with end of role
Harvard-Affiliated Programs and Centers
If you are part of a program or center affiliated with Harvard University, you can request a Library Borrowing Card, which comes with full library access at no charge.
Free | Expires after 1 year or with end of role
Ivy Plus and BorrowDirect
Our partnership with BorrowDirect allows physical access to our libraries to affiliates of fellow Ivy Plus institutions: Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Duke University, Johns Hopkins University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Stanford University, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University. You will be asked to show a government-issued ID and sign into BorrowDirect with your school credentials.
Free | Expires May 31 each year
Nonprofit Institutions with Harvard Library Agreements
Several institutions have direct agreements with Harvard Library to allow library use by their members. If you are not sure whether your institution has an agreement, please contact your benefits office.
- Library Access Card: Free, expires after 1 year or with end of role
- Library Borrowing Card: $250 for six months; $450 for 12 months
Non-Harvard Faculty, Doctoral Students, and Librarians/Curators
Researchers from other institutions can apply for library access and borrowing. You may qualify if you are faculty, a doctoral student, or a librarian/curator from another university or academic institution.
- Library Access Card: Free of charge ($25 fee for new card), expires after 1 year or with end of role
- Library Borrowing Card: $450 for six months; $850 for 12 months
Independent Researchers
If you would like to research using Harvard Library and you do not have a Harvard University affiliation or belong to another organization with an existing library access agreement, you can apply for either a Library Access Card or a Library Borrowing Card.
Please note that independent researchers must demonstrate a genuine need to use Harvard's collections in order to access our spaces.
- Library Access Card: $50 for 1 month; $100 for 3 months
- Library Borrowing Card: $450 for six months; $850 for 12 months
- Senior Citizen rate, Library Borrowing Card: $250 for six months; $450 for 12 months
- Special Collections access: A card is not required, please contact the individual library to make an appointment.
Harvard Library Access and Borrowing
Staff in the Harvard Library Access and Borrowing Office are here to answer your questions about library access and borrowing. See our hours with Widener Library's hours.
We are located on the left when you enter Widener Library via Harvard Yard. An accessible entrance is available on the Mass. Ave. side of the building. Tell security you're here to register with Access and Borrowing and they will direct you.
Widener Library Room 130
Harvard Yard
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States