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UMN Libraries news and events have moved to www.lib.umn.edu/news

Please update your bookmarks and visit that site for current news and events, including event registration. To give to UMN Libraries, visit www.lib.umn.edu/about#giving.

This site (libnews.umn.edu) has been preserved as an archive and will be available until at least 2028.

Friends of the Libraries

Exterior of Wilson Library on the West Bank of the UMN Twin Cities campus

Photo/Adria Carpenter

Giving to the University of Minnesota Libraries

When you give to the University of Minnesota Libraries, you fuel the extraordinary mission of this University. Your partnership allows UMN Libraries to connect students to resources, researchers to data, and the community to information that can transform lives.

Borrowing access is available for both individual and organizational supporters.

Access update: August 2026

Currently, most buildings on the Twin Cities campus are U Card-only access, which includes our library buildings. The U Card is an identification card for current UMN students, faculty, and staff.

However, Wilson Library provides access to Friends of the Libraries borrowing card holders and the public during the week (M-F 9 a.m.-6 p.m., closed weekends) through this appointment process. ​

Want to borrow a book?

Supporters at the $80 level ($40 for members of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association and the UMN Retirees Association) receive borrowing access and unlimited access to electronic journals, magazines, and newspaper subscriptions from public workstations at any Twin Cities campus library.

How to gain borrowing access

  • Complete the online form (you will be redirected to the University of Minnesota Foundation’s online giving form)
  • Request borrowing access by specifying “I am requesting (or renewing) a Friends library borrowing card” in the Special Instructions box.

Please note:

  • It can take 7-10 business days after making your online donation before your borrowing account is created or renewed. When a new account is created, a library borrowing card will be mailed to you.
  • To speed things up, feel free to forward your donation confirmation email to Lanaya at stangret@umn.edu. Lanaya can help facilitate the process of having your borrowing account set up and the information to book an appointment to visit Wilson Library as soon as possible.

Borrowing access levels

Join or renew your membership now

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