Access & Borrowing for Library & Archives
Borrowing
Library Materials
Check out books, pamphlets, microfilm, government publications, and bound periodicals.
A valid borrowing card (UW ID, UW community card, or Society community card) must be presented to borrow materials. Rare, fragile, small, and heavily used materials (including genealogical resources) do not circulate. A borrowing card is not required to use materials within the Library.
Library Cards
University of Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin students and employees may borrow Library materials in person with a UW System photo ID card.
Wisconsin Residents
UW-Madison Library Community Card
The most versatile library card for Wisconsin residents is the community borrowing card issued by the UW-Madison Libraries.
You apply for this card online and it's ready in a few business days.
-
- $50 per year
- $25 per year for borrowers age 62+
You can borrow materials from both the UW-Madison Libraries and the Wisconsin Historical Society Library.
Society Library Card
Wisconsin residents can sign up for a FREE Society community card at the Society's Library Circulation Desk.
Signing up takes about five minutes and requires presentation of both:
- photo ID
- proof of current Wisconsin address (driver's license, state ID, utility bill or lease)
Society library cards are only valid for borrowing Society Library materials, expire after one year, and must be renewed in person.
Due Dates, Renewals and Fines
Community Borrowers & Undergrads
Loans checked out to a community borrower or a UW undergraduate student are due in 28 days and are eligible for two 28-day renewals.
UW Employees & Grad Students
Loans to University of Wisconsin employees and graduate students are due at the end of the semester, either late May or late December, and can be renewed once per semester up to two years from the original checkout date.
Lost Items
If a loan reaches 28 days overdue, the material is presumed lost and the borrower is billed $100 per item. This charge remains on a borrower's account until the lost item is returned or its replacement cost paid. Additional charges may be assessed on items returned with damage.
Managing Loans
All borrowers can manage loans and view their due dates online.
- Select Sign In with your Library Card
- Enter your library card number and your password
- Community card borrowers can set or reset a password here!
Society borrowers can always contact the Library Circulation Department to verify loans and due dates.
See Your Borrowing StatusInterlibrary Loan Services
Visitors who are not residents of Wisconsin nor current UW System students or employees are not eligible to borrow materials in person. However, any item that circulates from the Library may be loaned to a patron of another library through interlibrary loan. Follow your home library's procedures for placing an interlibrary loan request.
Interlibrary borrowing (having other libraries' material sent to Madison) is available only to UW-Madison students and employees. Community researchers can request other libraries' material through their local public library.
To access archival materials researchers need to visit the Archives Reading room or visit their local Area Research Center. We also provide copying and email reference services for patrons unable to visit.
Visit Our
Library & Archives
Perhaps the best way to begin exploring our collections is by visiting us in person. In our reading rooms, you’ll find free and unparalleled access to our collections, helpful staff and amenities, and perhaps, your very own story.
Plan Your Visit HoursLast Updated: April 8, 2026
