Requesting Materials

Individuals requesting access to Rare Book Division materials must first register for admission.

Individuals with an active registration on file may request materials in advance either in person or via email. Please see directions below.

In Person

Individuals with an active registration on file may request materials in person in the Brooke Russell Astor Reading Room during Division hours, for delivery the following business day. All requests for materials are subject to approval by the Curator of Rare Books or ranking assistant. Telephone requests for materials are not permitted.

All call slips must be legibly printed by hand. 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.

Materials requested in person will be delivered the following business day, pending approval by the Curator of Rare Books or ranking assistant. Up to six individual items may be requested for use per day. Upon request, materials may be held on reserve for a limited time.

Via Email

Individuals with an active registration on file may request materials by writing to rbkref@nypl.org a minimum of 72 hours in advance of their expected arrival. All requests for materials are subject to approval by the Curator of Rare Books or ranking assistant. Telephone requests for materials are not permitted.

Please include the following information when requesting materials via email:

• registered reader’s full name and home street address; P.O. box numbers or
  work addresses will not be accepted in lieu of a home street address.
• call number, author’s name, and title of each item requested.
• date of planned arrival to use materials (a minimum of 72 hours’ notice required).

Up to six individual items may be requested for use per day. Upon request, materials may be held on reserve for a limited time.

Thank you.