Reading Room Rules & Regulations for the Arents Collection
1. Readers requesting access to Rare Book Division & George Arents Collection materials must first register for admission and await confirmation from a Division staff member before beginning research.
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. All call slips must be legibly printed by hand upon arrival. Readers must indicate their full name as well as home address on each call slip; P.O. box numbers or work addresses will not be accepted in lieu of a home street address.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Photography in the Brooke Russell Astor Reading Room is permitted, with the assistance of New York Public Library staff. Please consult with a Rare Book Division staff member if interested in obtaining photographic reproductions of items from the collection.
7. Listen carefully to staff instructions for the handling of collection 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.
8. All items are subject to examination by Library staff upon entering and leaving the Reading Room.