• Our library is open and free of charge to all researchers 18 years of age and above.

• Registration for a library account is required for all first-time visitors: Brooklyn Museum Libraries Registration

• Library Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Appointments are required.

• The last appointment will start at 3:00 p.m. and our reading room closes at 4:00 p.m.

• Materials must be requested seven days prior to your appointment. Materials can be requested through our library catalog once registration is completed: https://library.brooklynmuseum.org/ 

• Up to ten items may be requested for each appointment.

• Face masks are not required, but are highly recommended and appreciated.

• You will receive an email confirming the date and time of your appointment.

The collections of the Brooklyn Museum Libraries & Archives are open to the public for research purposes. In order to preserve our materials for you and future researchers, we ask that you follow these guidelines: 

• Researchers may only bring tools necessary for research: paper, pencil, laptops, and cell phones. 

• Coats, bags of all sizes, laptop sleeves, and pens are not allowed in the reading room. You may check your items at the coat check on the first floor.

• Researchers may not bring any food or drink (including water) into the reading room. 

• The reading room temperature is kept low to help protect materials. Outerwear cannot be worn, but you may consider dressing in layers for comfort.
  

• Materials may not be removed from the reading room. 
  

• Photographing materials with a phone/camera is allowed for reference purposes only. Flash photography, tripods, and personal scanners are not allowed. If you have any questions about our rules for reproduction or using images for reference, please ask a Libraries & Archives staff member.

• Please silence your phone and other electronic devices while in the reading room. We ask that you keep conversations to a minimum while conducting research. 

• Listen to instructions indicated by staff in handling materials.  Please work with the materials carefully to prevent damage.  

• All materials must be returned to the Libraries & Archives staff before leaving the reading room.

• Researchers should wash their hands before their appointment.

• Taking notes on laptops or with pencil and paper is allowed. No pen or ink may enter the reading room.

• Do not write on or on top of materials or rest other objects on their surface. Make no marks on the materials. 

• Do not rest other objects on the surface. Do not lean on materials. Tracing is not permitted.
  

• For archival materials, please remove only one folder from a box at a time. Lay the folder flat on the table and open it like a book. Keep all materials in the same order. When done, return the folder to its original spot in the box. 

• When consulting photographs, film, or slides, researchers will need to wear the provided gloves to protect materials. Gloves are not needed nor recommended while using paper-based materials. 

Please do not hesitate to ask a member of our Libraries & Archives staff any questions you may have.

We appreciate your cooperation in protecting the longevity of our materials!