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Frequently Asked Questions

What if a visitor is interested in borrowing from the library?


Bryn Mawr/Haverford students and faculty/staff

  • These visitors can check out materials with their Bryn Mawr/Haverford ID (or can be looked up in the system)


Other visitors may be granted borrowing privileges if they meet certain criteria. Ask the visitor if they are any of the following:

  • Swarthmore College Alum
  • Child of Swarthmore College Faculty or Staff
  • Spouse/Partner of Swarthmore College Faculty or Staff 
  • PALCI member
  • Teacher in Wallingford/Swarthmore School District
  • Teacher in a Friends School
  • Staff at an ABC House
  • Paid Employee of Swarthmore or Wallingford Public Library
  • Pendle Hill Resident

If the visitor meets any of the above criteria, they can borrow from the library with no fee.

Please have them begin to fill out an application for borrowing privileges or allow them to take one that they can fill out at home and bring back. These can be found in the bottom drawer of the filing cabinet on the right side of the desk (where the cash drawer is). Be sure to inform them that a supervisor will need to help them from there.

If the visitor does not meet any of the above criteria, ask them if they meet any of the following:

  • Resident of Swarthmore/Wallingford School District
  • Faculty at other PA, NJ, DE, or MD college or university
  • Clergy
  • Teacher in Delaware, Philadelphia, or Chester County School
  • Grad student in College in PA, NJ, DE, or MD
  • Non-local Visiting Scholar


If the visitor meets any of the above criteria, they may borrow materials from the library for an annual fee of $20.00 with the exception of non-local Visiting Scholars who can borrow for an annual fee of $100.00.

Please have them begin to fill out an application for borrowing privileges or allow them to take one that they can fill out at home and bring back. These can be found in the bottom drawer of the filing cabinet on the right side of the desk (where the cash drawer is). Be sure to inform them that a supervisor will need to help them from there.


If the visitor does not meet any of the above criteria, politely explain that they will not be able to borrow from the library.