In addition to an ACCESS card, a card of admission is required for consultation of items in the Rare Books Division, Manuscripts and Archives Division; Arents Collection, Berg Collection, Pforzheimer Collection, Print Collection, Photography Collection, and Spencer Collection.

Obtainable in the Office of Special Collections, Room 316

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Consult schedule for individual reading room hours.

For specific information, please contact the appropriate division or collection (see individual homepages).

General questions may be referred to specialcollections@nypl.org.

Rules for Use of the Special Collections

A Card of Admission must be requested in person, and is non-transferable.
It is granted for specific subjects and limited periods.

• Valid ACCESS card is required
• Valid photo identification is required
• The applicant must fill out a written request form, and provide the name and address of a person who can verify the accuracy of the statements on the application

Final determinations regarding access to specific items is the responsibility of the staff of the individual special collection, in consultation with the reader, and the rules of the individual collections and reading rooms apply.

All Special Collections Reading Rooms require that coats, briefcases, parcels, packages, bags, and umbrellas be checked in the 1st-floor Check Room near Astor Hall.