Access
The Amherst College Library welcomes all visitors. Younger children should be accompanied by an adult. All library users are subject to the Behavior Policy.
Explore the library by seeing our Mission & Policies, and by visiting our campus libraries. See our hours, and campus visiting information.
Library Materials, Computers, Printing
In the three campus libraries visitors may use the print, media, and electronic collections, computing facilities, and study spaces. Borrowing privileges for residents of western Massachusetts are available.
The library's computers are intended for library research. Visitors may access the full internet, and most of our electronic resources (ebooks, journals, images, search tools, etc.). Our software licenses restrict access to standard office-productivity software (e.g., MS Word, Adobe Photoshop, etc.) to current students, faculty, and staff.
Printing is available for a fee at Frost Library; inquire at the front desk, where our staff can also help with locating material and services.
Everyone is welcome to use our list of freely available resources.
Summer visitors
The Amherst College Library welcomes summer programs and visitors. Please be aware, however, that Amherst College has no summer session. The Library reduces its hours and some of its services during this time.
- Robert Frost Library, on the hilltop Quad, holds most collections, including Archives & Special Collections. Frost is home to the Center for Humanistic Inquiry, the Amherst College Press, and Frost Café.
- Morgan Music Library, on the second floor of Arms Music Center, holds scores, recorded music, and a reference collection.
- Keefe Science Library, in the Science Center, holds a small reference collection.
Our two affiliate libraries are the archives of the Amherst Center for Russian Culture on the second floor of Webster Hall, and the Folger Shakespeare Library, in Washington D.C.
Borrowing Accounts
Account Requirements
- A Massachusetts photo ID (driver’s license or MASS ID), showing residency in Hampshire, Franklin, Hampden, Worcester, or Berkshire counties. The same ID must be presented each time the library card is used to check out books.
- A current email address and phone number to receive due date, recall, and overdue messages.
- Cards expire on January 1st each year and may be renewed, in person, annually.
Privileges
- In addition to the privileges of all visitors, card holders may borrow books from the circulating collection. Media (DVDs, Blue-ray, VHS) may not be borrowed, but can be used in the library.
- Items in our off-site AC Depository may be requested at the Frost front desk or directly through the depository request form; residents are emailed when they are delivered (1-2 days) to the Frost front desk.
- Our privileges do not extend to loans from our Five College partners, and Five College Delivery.
- Access to subscribed electronic resources (ebooks, e-journals, etc.) is available on campus only.
Loan details
- Loan periods are 28 days with up to five renewals. Renewals are requested online, using the 15-digit barcode on your library card.
- Loans may be recalled by another patron. We email recall notices, with revised due date. Overdue recalled items incur $2 per day charges, to a maximum of $30.
- Residents may have up to 25 books checked out at any time.