Can local community members or non-students use the library?

Penrose Library is open to the public. During the fall and spring semester, the library is generally open to the public between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Please note that the library has shorter hours during the summer and school breaks. Before visiting, please check our hours calendar to confirm that the library will be open when you plan to go.

Most electronic resources may also be accessed on-site; visitors should ask for assistance if prompted to log in. Visitors may use print collections on-site or Penrose Library makes certain resources available to visiting scholars, local high school students, and members of the community. In order to borrow from Penrose Library, you must have a valid Penrose Library Community Borrowing card. 

Library cards may be purchased at the Penrose Library Circulation Desk. Cards will be issued upon completion of an application form, presentation of photo ID, and payment of appropriate fees. Community members under the age of 18 must have a parent present to be issued a card. Any questions or concerns about Library ID cards or general circulation issues should be directed to Access Services at ill@whitman.edu or 509-527-5192.

Library users assume responsibility for notifying the Library of change of address, loss or theft of Library ID card, and loss or theft of library materials they have borrowed. Library users also accept responsibility for materials borrowed on their ID card and for returning materials to the Library by the due date.

Community Borrowing Rates – Annual Fees
Area high school students: $10 (Under 18 must be accompanied by a parent when signing up)
Area elementary and high school teachers: $25
Walla Walla Community College students and faculty: $25
Walla Walla University students and faculty: reciprocal borrowing agreement (valid ID required)
Members of the general public: $45
Orbis Cascade Alliance libraries - reciprocal borrowing agreement (valid ID required)
Spouses/partners/dependents of Whitman employees - no charge

Summit and Interlibrary Loan borrowing are not available to Community Borrowing members of Penrose. Community members may check out up to five items at a time. Library privileges will be suspended for any patron accruing replacement fees for items billed or lost, until item is returned or payment is made. Please pay all fees at the Penrose Circulation Desk.

Notifications of recalls, and bills will be by e-mail whenever an e-mail address is available; otherwise United States Postal Service will be used. It is the responsibility of the borrower to ensure the library information on file concerning addresses and phone numbers is current and accurate.