515 Malcolm X Boulevard (135th St and Malcolm X Blvd)
New York, NY 10037
917-275-6975
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Day Hours
Monday 10 AM–6 PM
Tuesday 10 AM–6 PM
Wednesday 10 AM–6 PM
Thursday 10 AM–6 PM
Friday 10 AM–6 PM
Saturday 10 AM–6 PM
Sunday CLOSED
Division hours may vary.
2024 Holiday Closings
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Visit the Schomburg Center

The front doors of the Schomburg Center. The words “Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture'' is written as a metal awning above the front doors.

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, one of The New York Public Library’s renowned research libraries, is a world-leading cultural institution devoted to the research, preservation, and exhibition of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences.

To learn about the Center's research divisions, schedule an appointment, or find out about other services, see our resources for researchers. Please note: Division hours may vary.

On May 3 starting at 8:30 AM, we are hosting the first of a two-day conference that extends the call for increased historical research on slavery in the Atlantic World. Produced by the Lapidus Center at the Schomburg Center in collaboration with the New-York Historical Society and the New Netherland Institute. Register.

If you are a rising college senior interested in pursuing a PhD in African American, African, or African Diaspora Studies, consider applying to our Schomburg-Mellon Humanities Summer Institute. The program will run from Monday, June 17–Friday, July 19, 2024. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 24. 

Explore our opening of our newest in-person exhibition, The Ways of Langston Hughes: Griff Davis and Black Artists in the Making. It runs through Monday, July 8.

The Schomburg Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 5:45 PM. They sell books, clothing, jewelry, and more created by Black and Brown artists for all ages.

Although there are no guided tours at this time, we are working diligently to restore this key service to visitors in spring 2024. Please continue to check this page and the Schomburg Tours page for updates and more information.

Please note: Due to new Library policy, e-bikes, e-scooters, and electronic transportation devices are not permitted inside any NYPL location. This does not apply to mobility aids.

National Poetry Month | Watch! Maya Angelou’s Historic Press Conference Announcing the Acquisition of her Collection

On the left is a close up photo of poet Maya Angelou. On the right, Maya Angelou (seated) is in a picture with then Schomburg Center Director Dr. Howard Dodson, then NYPL President Paul LeClerc plus NYPL and Schomburg Center leaders.

Photos: Terrence Jennings

In 2010, we acquired the collection of award-winning poet Maya Angelou. Dr. Howard Dodson, then director of the Schomburg Center, and Dr. Paul LeClerc, then president of The New York Public Library, led the press conference announcing the acquisition. Angelou addressed the audience and took questions from the media. 

As we mark National Poetry Month, Angelou’s birthday on April 4, and the 10th anniversary of her passing this year, revisit that historic day. Discover what she said about being a part of the Center’s archives, her friends—author James Baldwin and human rights activist Malcolm X—, and her love of libraries. Learn more. 

Winter/Spring 2024 Public Programs

A colorful animation of a young adult holding a pencil and drawing in on the right side. On the left side, there are four young adults dressed in colorful clothing and holding microphones. On the lower right-hand corner, are the words 12th annual Schomburg Center’s Black Comic Book Festival on a black background.

Artwork: Blossom Blair

Coming up:
Wednesday, April 17 | 7 PM | Schomburg Center
Carnegie Hall Citywide: aja monet

Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27 | Schomburg Center
12th Annual Black Comic Book Festival  View schedule.

NYPL Update: Countee Cullen Pop-Up Library at Schomburg

Seating at Countee Cullen Pop-Up Library at the Schomburg Center.

Photo: Jonathan Blanc

The Countee Cullen Pop-Up Library will pause briefly from Monday, April 15–Wednesday, May 1 for renovation and our 12th annual Black Comic Book Festival. 

Where possible, patrons may go to our Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division for assistance or to the George Bruce Branch Library at 518 West 125th Street.

In the Spotlight

  • New! Free Digital Guide on Bloomberg Connects

    Download Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app, to explore the Schomburg Center on your mobile device.

    Exterior of the Schomburg Center.

  • Explore Past Schomburg Center Exhibitions and Multimedia Projects

    If you missed past in person exhibitions such as Marking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration, you can see it online. Also, explore online exhibitions such as Watercolors Amongst Friends and view past multimedia projects produced by students in our Junior Scholars Program.

    People are looking at a wall which has artwork.

  • Space Rentals

    Hosting an event? Consider our Langton Hughes Auditorium, Langston Hughes Lobby, American Negro Theatre, or Schomburg Courtyard. Learn more about these spaces.

    Circle-shaped tables covered with blue tablecloths and chairs are arranged in the Langston Hughes Lobby. Along the left side is a rectuangular shaped table that has glasses on top. It is covered with a blue table cloth.

  • Get Updates from the Schomburg Center

    Sign up for our bi-monthly e-newsletter, Schomburg Connection. Get updates and information on our upcoming programs, exhibitions, research guides, blogs, and more!

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Featured at the Schomburg Center

  • Visit the Schomburg Shop

    The Schomburg Shop is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 AM to 6 PM for in-person shopping. Or, you can shop online.

    Interior view of the Schomburg Shop. There are books on short and tall shelves. In the lower left corner, a partial view of clothing rank featuring items with Center's logo.

  • From Our Blog

    Read blog posts from the librarians, staff, and fellows at the Schomburg Center.

    : A black and white illustration of a female of color wearing a white cocktail dress with a black flower at her hip and a hoop earring posed against the railing of a balcony. The words “Opportunity: Journal of Negro Life is at the top of the image. The words “July 1926” are on the left side.

  • Public Programs

    The Schomburg Center advances knowledge of the global Black experience through dynamic programs and exhibitions.

    Three people standing onstage at the Schomburg Center. They are standing up and waiving their hands in the air, appearing to applaud.

  • Digital Schomburg

    Access exhibitions, podcasts, videos, books, images, and more about the global Black experience 24/7.

    Collage of photographs and artworks from the Schomburg Center's Digital Collections.

  • Support the Schomburg Center

    Schomburg Society members receive discounts, invitations to exclusive events, and more!

    Photograph of the Schomburg Center's exterior facade

  • In the News

    Read news stories featuring interviews with Schomburg Center curators, librarians, and staff.

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Current Exhibitions

About the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

Interior view of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions devoted to the research, preservation, and exhibition of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences. As a research division of The New York Public Library, the Schomburg Center features diverse programming and collections spanning over 11 million items that illuminate the richness of global Black history, arts, and culture.

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