Yale Library is open to current Yale students in residence, faculty and staff who are authorized to be on campus. We regret that we cannot extend library access to patrons outside of our immediate community. Information about Yale Library and our services is available here.
All fines for overdue, recalled, and lost Yale Library and Interlibrary Loan materials will be waived. If you accrue fines, please email askyalelibrary@yale.edu or fill out this form for quick resolution.
Alumni of Yale University and their Spouses may apply for any three levels of library privileges as described below.
Pass Options | Rates | Maximum Number of Borrowed items |
Stacks Pass | Free | N/A, request 20 items |
Alumni Standard Borrowing | $45 per 3 month increment or $150/year |
15 |
Alumni Premium Borrowing | $60 per 3 month increment or $200/year |
50 |
All circulating library materials may be recalled by another reader. You will be sent a notice in case this happens
Alumni and their spouses who wish to use the Yale University Library collections must register in person at the service desk located in the nave of Sterling Memorial Library (SML). To register, you will need to provide a current government issued ID. The following documents are acceptable forms of identification for registration:
If you wish to renew your borrowing privileges, please call or visit us at the service desk during business hours. We can be reached at 203-432-1775 and will accept credit card payments with a Visa or Mastercard over the phone. We also accept checks and cash. We will not accept $50 or $100 bills.
*Use “Place Requests” to retrieve materials and have them delivered to the circulation desk of the selected Yale University Library. Allow two business days for delivery of items between libraries.
If you believe you've accrued a fine in error or if you believe you've returned an item that is still on your library account, please fill out the following form.
Access to electronic resources is contractually limited to currently employed faculty and staff and currently enrolled students of Yale University and its immediately affiliated institutions, and therefore does not allow remote access to Non-Yale users. At least one research station with access to Yale Library's subscription database and electronic resources is available for use at each library.
Yale alumni can also register for free access to the online database JSTOR. Registration required.
Send questions to Sterling Memorial Library Services at:
Phone: (203) 432-1775
E-mail: askyalelibrary@yale.edu
The Library Service desk is located on the ground floor of Sterling Memorial Library in the nave and is open during normal library hours.
Academic Year
Monday-Thursday: 8:30AM-6PM |
Friday: 8:30AM-4:45PM |
Saturday: 10AM-4:45PM |
Sunday: 12noon-6PM |
Please review weekly hours before planning your visit.