Brown University will be on winter break from the close of business on Monday, December 22, 2025, through Monday, January 5, 2026, returning on Tuesday, January 6. 

In order to maintain support of students, faculty, and researchers during this time while giving dedicated library staff members well-deserved time off, the University Library will be offering limited building hours and services. Please take note of the time-sensitive services listed below so that you can plan ahead and obtain the materials you will need in advance of the break.

Who can use which building?

The Rockefeller Library will be open without library services by swipe card access only from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on December 29, 30, and January 2 for current Brown ID holders only. Visitors without a current Brown ID will not be able to access the building. Please see Libraries and Hours for details. The John Hay Library, the Sciences Library, and Orwig Music Library will be closed during the break.

Will you close completely for some days?

All University Library locations will be closed with no on-site or online services on Christmas Eve (Wednesday, December 24), Christmas Day (Thursday, December 25), New Year’s Eve (Wednesday, December 31), and New Year’s Day (Thursday, January 1).

Self-checkout

Self-checkout of circulating materials will be available at the Rockefeller Library as usual.

How can I get help from a library expert?

Limited support for the Brown community and researchers working on time-sensitive projects will be available on the days when we are not fully closed via email at rock@brown.edu. Please allow 12 to 24 hours for a response.

Can I view special collections material?

Requests for special collections material can be made at any time through Aeon. John Hay Library staff will respond to requests that come in over break beginning January 6. 

Thousands of items have been digitized and are available for view at any time through the Brown Digital Repository. The Gildor Family Special Collections Reading Room will have limited hours during Winter Session in January, by appointment only. Detailed information about appointments is available at Visiting the Brown University Special Collections. Please check Libraries and Hours for updated information. Reference requests received via the Question Form will be reviewed starting on January 6. 

Who will be on-site when the buildings are open?

The Library will have security guards in the buildings when they are open by card swipe access only. Please note that security guards are not library employees. They are not able to answer research questions and cannot retrieve library materials.

Happy Holidays

Best wishes to all for a peaceful, healthy, and restorative winter break.