Furman University's Bridges to a Brighter Future students and their parents (Bridges patrons) may use the Furman University Libraries throughout the year.  Bridges patrons are welcome to borrow from the James B. Duke Library, Maxwell Music Library, and Sanders Science Library, and they may use Furman's Special Collections for research.

Your Furman ID card serves as your library card, and is required for circulation transactions. Some library materials, such as bound periodicals and reference books, circulate only with permission from a Circulation staff member or an Outreach librarian. Other items, such as current periodicals and rare books, do not circulate under any circumstances. If you would like to see what you currently have checked out, you can view your account using your Furman ID number.

Parents of Bridges students may obtain library cards at the Circulation Desk of the James B. Duke Library.

In order to qualify, you must present a photo ID and be listed in the Bridges contact list.  A copy of this list is maintained at the library's Circulation desk.  You can check the catalog to determine if a particular item is available for checkout or restricted to "Library Use Only."

​Bridges patrons may keep most books checked out for 42 days. The circulation period for leisure books is 21 days; videos circulate for 7 days. If you need a book for longer than 42 days, you can usually renew it. If a book or video is on reserve for a class, the loan period may be shorter.

Bridges patrons may borrow up to 10 items at one time.

If you need an item for longer than the normal loan period, you can renew it online, over the phone, or in person. To see what you have checked out, when it is due, and renew online, you will need your Furman ID number. To renew by phone, you can call the Main Library Circulation Desk at 294-2265, the Music Library at 294-3795, or the Science Library at 294-2455.

Note: An item may not be renewed if it has been requested by another patron. Items checked out to you may be recalled if needed by a faculty member for course reserves.

The library sends out overdue notices, but that does not mean items are not due until you receive a notice. If for some reason you do not receive a notice, you are still obligated to return items on time or pay overdue fines. Patrons who do not return items after 30 days will be billed for the estimated cost of the item plus a $15.00 replacement processing fee. Patrons who do not return items or pay fines or charges incurred may be barred from checking out additional items, registering for classes, receiving a diploma, and requesting transcripts.

Note: Borrowing privileges are suspended for patrons with fines totaling more than $50.

Fines may be paid in cash or check at the James B Duke Library on campus or mailed to Furman University marked Attention: Library - Circulation.