Checkroom Service and Policy

As a service to researchers, and to improve the study environment for all, the The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts provides a supervised, no-fee checkroom, located on the third floor adjacent to the Research Collections Reading Room.

For reasons of safety and security, the items listed below must be checked upon entering the 3rd floor Research Division reading rooms. All users are expected to comply with this policy.

  • Parcels and packages
  • Shopping bags and oversized bags (including purses)
  • Suitcases and large containers
  • Strollers
  • Briefcases, back packs, and bookbags
  • Coats and umbrellas
  • Laptop cases

The following research-related items are permitted in the Research Collections Reading Room:

  • Personal books and other reading or writing materials
  • Laptop computers
  • Small purses

Everything must fit into plastic bags provided by the checkroom staff. Readers using rare or fragile materials in the Katharine Cornell-Guthrie McClintic Special Collections Reading Room are permitted only pencils, loose notes (not notebooks) and a laptop computer.

Checked materials must be picked up no later than ten minutes before closing. The Library is not responsible for items left overnight.

If you are using only the Circulating Collections on the 1st and 2nd floors of the Library, you are not generally required to check your belongings. However, all Library visitors must submit all books, bags, briefcases, and other containers for inspection upon entering and exiting the building, including those that were checked during your visit.