Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, one of The New York Public Library’s renowned research libraries, is a world-leading cultural institution devoted to the research, preservation, and exhibition of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences.

To learn about the Center’s research divisions, schedule an appointment, or find out about other services, see our resources for researchers. Please note: Division hours may vary.

Explore our exhibitions Been Seen and Boundless: 10 Years of Seeding Black Comic Futures. Both are open 10 AM—5:30 PM, Monday to Saturday.

Visit the Schomburg Shop to see clothing, jewelry, and books for all ages created by Black and Brown artists. It's open Tuesday to Saturday 11 AM—5:45 PM.

Though there are no guided tours at this time, we are working diligently to restore this key service to visitors in fall 2022. Please continue to check this page and the Schomburg Tours page for updates and more information.

Masks are strongly recommended in the Schomburg Center and all NYPL locations. 

November is Puerto Rican Heritage Month. It's also a terrific opportunity to learn more about our founder and namesake, Arturo Schomburg (1874–1938). He is of Black and Puerto Rican descent. Explore our research guide to learn about Mr. Schomburg’s life, activism, writings, and collections. Learn more.

November is Hip Hop History Month. Celebrate the music and culture that’s changed the world! Discover some of the materials in our collections that amplify the legacy of hip hop and its legends. Learn more.

Join us for the African Diaspora International Film Festival on Tuesday, November 29, starting at 1 PM. See films documenting how women of African descent from around the world have risen in society and influenced politics and political movements. Supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Schomburg Society invites you to celebrate the launch of the biography Saxophone Colossus: The Life and Music of Sonny Rollins by scholar Aidan Levy on Tuesday, December 6 at 7 PM. Levy will be joined by musician James Brandon Lewis. A book signing follows the program.

See our public programs schedule.

Scholars-In Residence
If you are a postdoctoral scholar, independent researcher, or creative writer who is interested in studying at the Schomburg Center, consider applying to our Scholars-in-Residence Program. The deadline is Thursday, December 1, 2022. Learn more.

Lapidus Center
The Lapidus Center for the Historical Analysis of Transatlantic Slavery at the Schomburg Center is pleased to announce the opening of the competition for the 2023 Harriet Tubman Prize. The prize awards $7,500 to the best nonfiction book published in the U.S. on the slave trade, slavery, and anti-slavery in the Atlantic World. The postmark deadline for nominating titles is Saturday, December 31, 2022.

Plus, the online applications are open to apply for short and long-terms fellowships with the Lapidus Center. Researchers who are studying the slave trade, slavery, and anti-slavery in the Atlantic World are eligible to apply. The deadline is Monday, January 9, 2023. Learn more.