Alumni and Visitors

We welcome scholars and guests from around the world. Learn how to enter the building, access our online resources and borrow materials.

Visit

university library building abstract shot

The Libraries are open and accessible to all, regardless of affiliation with Northwestern University. To enter the building, guests will need to present a valid photo ID.

Hours
Building maps
Events and workshops
Accessibility services
Parking services
Out-of-town visitor resources

Borrowing and Accessing Materials

female hands taking a book from the shelf in a library

Alumni and other visitors can browse our materials and electronic resources while on-site in the library. Circulating materials can be checked out by alumni and other visitors by applying for a borrower's card.

Computer access and e-resources
Borrowing without a Wildcard

Academic and Professional Visitors

We have reciprocal borrowing agreements with University of Chicago, Loyola University of Chicago and University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) libraries. Students, faculty and staff from these institutions can borrow from Northwestern University Libraries, and vice versa. Learn more about library borrower's cards.