Conducting Research - Rare Book Division

Registering as a Reader & Requesting Materials

All individuals requesting access to Rare Book Division materials must first register for admission online using this form.

When to Register:
Please submit your registration at least 72 hours (3 business days) before you plan to arrive. All requests are subject to approval by the Curator or ranking assistant of the Rare Book Division.

After You Submit Your Registration:
A staff member of the Rare Book Division will respond—usually within a couple of business days—to you via e-mail regarding the status of your registration and your requests.

Once your registration and your requests have been approved, we will confirm the date of your planned visit.

If you have any questions, please write to us at rbkref@nypl.org.

Reading Room Rules & Regulations

1. Readers requesting access to Rare Book Division & George Arents Collection materials must register online and await confirmation from a Division staff member before arriving.

2. Researchers 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. Individuals who are granted access to the division receive a brief orientation and are issued a card of admission to the division. The card of admission is not transferable.

A card of admission does not guarantee access to all materials.

4. All call slips must be legibly printed by hand upon arrival. Readers must indicate their full name as well as home street address on each call slip; P.O. box numbers or work addresses will not be accepted in lieu of a home street address.

5. Only pencils (ink may not be used 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 the Curator of the Rare Book Division or ranking assistant.

6. Books or other reading materials may not be brought into the reading room, except with the prior consent of the Curator or ranking assistant of the Rare Book Division.

7. Photography in the Brooke Russell Astor Reading Room is not permitted. All photographic duplication is carried out by New York Public Library staff. For information about obtaining photographic reproductions of items from the collection, please consult with the Library’s Office of Photographic Services & Permissions.

8. Listen carefully to staff instructions for the handling of Rare Book materials. In all cases, Rare Book Division staff will determine the manner in which materials are set up for viewing. Do not lean on or place anything on top of Library materials. Tracing or rubbing of materials is not permitted. Materials may not be transferred to another reader.

9. All items are subject to examination by Library staff upon entering and leaving the Reading Room.

Finding Materials

In undertaking your research in the Rare Book Division, it is recommended that you begin your search in the online catalog of The New York Public Library. Other valuable New York Public Library catalogs, available in print format onsite, may be utilized as a complement to the online catalog.

Readers are encouraged to contact us (rbkref@nypl.org) whenever they have questions concerning our collections or holdings.