- Readers must wash their hands thoroughly before entering the Reading Room; there is a sink in the foyer for this purpose.
- Readers may not touch written, decorated, or painted surfaces of rare items. Taking tracings or rubbings is not permitted.
- Readers should refrainfrom wearing fingernail polish (including gel, shellac, and clear polish, as well as other nail accoutrements including acrylic or silk nail extensions), as they can leave residue on or damage rare or reference materials.
- Readers should be aware of long hair, scarves, or jewelry dragging across any rare or reference materials if they are looking closely and if they are wearing these while visiting.
- Reading Room staff delivers all requested items to readers at their tables and collects them when readers are finished.
- Guidelines for handling specific types of material will be distributed in the Reading Room.
- Lockers in the Reading Room foyer (measuring 12 in. H x 17 in. W x 21 in. D) can accommodate personal items not allowed in the Reading Room proper. The following items may not be brought into the Reading Room:
- Bags, backpacks, briefcases, purses
- Suitcases, duffel bags
- Cases (e.g. for computers and cameras)
- Cell phones, unless muted or turned off
- Coats, hats
- Guests
- Food, drinks, gum, candy
- Pens, markers, highlighters
- All personal belongings are subject to inspection and search upon entering and exiting the Reading Room
- As a courtesy and respect for other readers, visitors, and staff we ask researchers feeling unwell or under the weather to kindly e-mail or call us immediately to cancel or reschedule their appointments.
Plan your visit. 225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street, New York, NY 10016.
Plan your visit. 225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street, New York, NY 10016.