About the Libraries: John Hay Library
 John Hay Library20 Prospect St / Box AProvidence, RI 02912 » Get directions (401) 863-3723 (401) 863-2093 (fax) » hay@brown.edu » Staff » Special Collections » University Archives » Finding Aids and Catalogs » Access and User Services » First Time Users » Library Hours (today: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm) » Reproduction Services » Forms » History of Special Collections » Special Collections FAQ » Digital Initiatives » Exhibitions » Friends of the Library » Who is Josiah Carberry? |
The John Hay Library houses the University Library’s collections of rare books and manuscripts,
the University Archives, and many special
collections on a wide variety of topics. Notable areas of strength include American literature and popular culture, political and diplomatic history, the history of science, book arts and graphics. The Library is open to the public, upon presentation of photo id, 9-6 Monday through Friday, and 1-5 on Sundays during the academic year; see the full schedule of hours for summer hours, and holiday and exam periods. The John Hay Library is a closed stack, non-circulating library. Users are encouraged to consult curatorial and subject specialist staff for assistance in locating and using materials. User services include tours and class presentations, reproduction services, and course and personal reserves. The John Hay Library opened in November 1910, serving from that time until 1964 as the main library of the University. It was designed in the English Renaissance style by the eminent Boston architectural firm of Shepley Rutan & Coolidge. The Library is named for John Hay, class of 1858, who served as Abraham Lincoln’s private secretary during the Civil War and later became Secretary of State. His papers and personal library form part of the collections at the John Hay. |