Friends of the Libraries

What we do

The Friends play a special role in connecting the University Libraries to the greater community and enriching the campus and community through thought-provoking, entertaining, and intellectually engaging programs.

By supporting the Friends of the Libraries, you will:

• Provide important support to assure that the resources of this great library are extended to promote library outreach and staff development.
• Continue the Friends’ important role in supporting University Libraries outreach, in creating innovative programs, and in encouraging use and appreciation of its remarkable resources.
• Benefit all University of Minnesota students and faculty — and people throughout Minnesota who rely on the Libraries for information.

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 privileges and unlimited access to electronic journals, magazines, and newspaper subscriptions from public workstations at any Twin Cities campus library.

How to gain borrowing privileges

• Complete the online form (you will be redirected to the University of Minnesota Foundation’s online giving form)
• Request borrowing privileges 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 privileges 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 Levels

• Donor/Borrowing privileges: $80 annually
  • $40 annually for University of Minnesota Alumni Association members
  • $40 annually for University of Minnesota Retirees Association members
  • $30 for recently graduated students, within one year
• Borrowing privileges for organizations
  • $250 per year base rate
  • $80 per year for nonprofit organizations