Earl Gregg Swem Library

Earl Gregg Swem Library is the research library of the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg and holds over 2 million books, manuscripts, and digital materials spread across multiple floors. The building is arranged into different specialized sections so visitors and students can find resources organized by subject.

The library opened in 1966 and was named for Earl Gregg Swem, who expanded the college collection from 25,000 books to 240,000 during his career. His work laid the foundation for what the library contains today.

The Special Collections Research Center holds handwritten documents and rare books that show how Virginia developed over centuries. Visitors can see original papers from the colonial period that reveal how people lived and worked in the region.

Visitors can use study spaces, computer areas, and group rooms that stay open from morning until late at night. It helps to check the hours in advance and arrive early if you want to find a quiet spot to work.

The Warren E. Burger Collection holds professional papers and personal items from the former U.S. Chief Justice who later served as Chancellor of the college. This provides a rare chance to see original materials from one of the nation's highest-ranking judges.

Location: Virginia

Inception: 1966

Part of: College of William and Mary Libraries

Website: https://libraries.wm.edu

GPS coordinates: 37.26980,-76.71630

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:07