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Register to Use Materials in the Rare Book Division & George Arents Collection

Researchers whose work requires use of Rare Book Division collections, including the George Arents Collection, must register for access using this form. Registration may be completed either in advance or in person.

You may also use this form to ask a reference question about the Rare Book Division collections.

Registering in Advance:

Readers, especially those living outside the New York City metropolitan area, are encouraged to register in advance using this form so that the details of their visit may be confirmed by a Rare Book Division staff member.

Registering in Person:

Readers may consult with a Rare Book Division staff member and register in person during the Rare Book Division's public hours, Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Materials are paged for delivery twice daily, at 11:00 a.m. and at 3:00 p.m. Requests made after 3:00 p.m. may not be available until after 11:00 a.m. the following day.

Please note:

  • Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
  • Please answer the following questions as completely as possible; the information you provide will assist us in quickly processing your registration and your requests.
  • Even if you do not intend to visit the library, you are welcome to use this form to ask a reference question about the Rare Book Division collections.

 

Name
Permanent Home Address (PO box or work address not accepted)
Please read the following Reading Room Rules.
  1. Readers requesting access to Rare Book Division & George Arents Collection materials must register using our online form. Registration may be completed either in advance or in person.
  2. Readers must hold an NYPL Library Card, which can be obtained in the Library's Main Reading Room, and must be able to present a valid government-issued photo ID to Division staff.
  3. All call slips must be legibly completed by hand upon arrival. Readers must indicate their full name as well as home street address on each call slip; PO Box numbers or work addresses are not accepted in lieu of a home street address.
  4. Only pencils (ink is not permitted for note taking) and laptop computers (without cases) may be brought into the reading room. Paper will be provided by the Division for note taking, upon request. All other personal belongings, including coats, jackets, hats, purses, and bags, must be checked in the Library's coatroom. Please plan your visit accordingly. Readers may be asked to check in the Library's coatroom any items deemed inappropriate by Division staff.
  5. Books or other reading materials may not be brought into the reading room, except with the prior consent of Division staff.
  6. Photography of Rare Book Division materials is permitted in the reading room, with the guidance of Division staff. Please consult with Division staff if interested.
  7. Listen carefully to Division staff instructions for the handling of materials. In all cases, Division staff will determine the manner in which materials are set up for viewing. Do not lean on or place anything on top of materials.  Tracing or rubbing of materials is not permitted. Materials may not be transferred to another reader.
  8. All items are subject to examination by Library Staff upon entering and leaving the reading room. 

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