THE JOHN CARTER BROWN LIBRARY is an independently administered and funded center for advanced research in history and the humanities, founded in 1846 and located at Brown University since 1901. Housed within the Library’s walls is an internationally renowned, constantly growing collection of primary historical sources pertaining to the Americas, both North and South, before ca. 1825. For 150 years the Library has served scholars from all over the United States and abroad. In order to facilitate and encourage use of the collection, the Library offers fellowships, sponsors lectures and conferences, regularly mounts exhibitions for the public, and publishes catalogues, bibliographies, and other works that interpret its holdings.

Exhibitions in the MacMillan Reading Room are open to the public 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday 9:00 a.m. until noon. The Simón Bolívar Room is open on request.

The John Carter Brown Library collection is restricted to use by qualified scholars, engaged in productive research, for whom access to the collection is essential for the advancement of their work. All researchers must register and submit at least two forms of identification, including a driver's license or passport with a photo. Students and unaffiliated scholars must also have a written endorsement of their project from an established college or university professor.

The Library may be reached by electronic mail at JCBL_Information@Brown.edu, or by one of the more specific e-mail addresses and/or phone numbers listed under our JCB Staff Directory link.

The Library’s postal address is:
The John Carter Brown Library
Box 1894
Providence, Rhode Island 02912

Tel. (401) 863-2725

The location for delivery of packages is: Corner of George and Brown Streets. The Library does not have a conventional street address.

Getting to the Library

Holiday Closings