All Brown alumni may request a free access card by visiting the circulation desk at the Rockefeller or Sciences Libraries. Effective January 1, 2008, the Brown University Library will offer borrowing privileges free of charge to Brown alumni. See: How to request an Alumni Borrowing Card.

Membership in the Friends of the Brown University Library provides invitations to lectures, receptions and events sponsored by the Friends. At specific membership contribution levels access or borrowing cards for the Brown University Library are available.

The John Hay Library is open to the public. A Brown ID is not required to use its resources.

The Digital Collections of the Brown University Library are freely available to the public on the web. A Brown login is not necessary to access these materials.