John Hay Library
University Archives' public space closed. The University Archives is closed for a renovation project. Staff will continue to provide reference assistance via e-mail and by appointment.  (details)
John Hay Library

John Hay Library

20 Prospect St / Box A
Providence, RI 02912
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(401) 863-3723
» hay@brown.edu


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Using the Library
» Special Collections FAQ
» Access and User Services
» First Time Users
» Library Hours  (today: closed)
» Reproduction Services
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» SEAS/Student and Employee Accessibility Services

Our Collections
» History of Special Collections
» Special Collections
» University Archives
» Finding Aids and Catalogs

Exhibits & Digital Publications
» Center for Digital Scholarship
» Exhibitions

About Us
» Staff
» Who is Josiah Carberry?

Gifts-In Kind and Other
» Friends of the Library


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.


During the academic year, the Library is open to the public, upon presentation of photo id, 10 to 6 Monday through Thursday and 10 to 5 on Friday. 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.