Visit the Library
Visit the Library
Announcement: The Patricia D. Klingenstein Library is closed to researchers temporarily as construction begins on a new wing at the New-York Historical Society.
A tremendous amount of information about the Library’s collection is available through the New-York Historical website: library catalog, finding aids for archival collections, and digital collections. In addition, the library staff will continue to field general queries, reference questions, and special requests while the library is closed to researchers. Email us at reference@nyhistory.org.
About
New-York Historical’s Patricia D. Klingenstein Library is one of the oldest, most distinguished research libraries in the United States and a vital center of research into the history of New York and the nation. Among its extensive collections are millions of books, newspapers, maps, manuscript and archival collections, prints, photographs, and architectural collections, dating from the 16th century to the present. These holdings, many of them unique, reveal the complexity of history and inspire engagement, discovery, and original scholarship.
Collection strengths include exploration and voyages; the Colonial, Revolutionary, and Early Republic eras; the mercantile history of New York and the expanding nation; American military and naval history; the Anglo-American Slave trade and the lived experience of the enslaved people of the United States; the Civil War, religion and religious movements; New York City social services and charitable organizations; and New York City architecture and the built environment.
Before You Visit
The majority of the Library's collections have been processed and catalogued, and may be found by searching the online catalog.
Sign up for the Library's collections request system
Instructions for how to request Library materials
Interested in making a gift? Here's what you need to know
Policies
- All researchers must check in on the first floor before proceeding to the reading room on the second floor.
- Research is by appointment only and limited to those who have identified collections specific to the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library.
- Because appointments are in high demand, we recommend emailing us at libraryappts@nyhistory.org as far in advance as possible.
- All researchers must abide by the Library’s security and handling guidelines.
Your care and support help us to maintain our collections for future generations. Thank you for your cooperation.
Reproductions and Photocopying
The Library encourages researchers to use hand held cameras to capture images of Library collections for later reference. All photography must be done in accordance with the Library's photography guidelines. Photocopies made by the Library as well as photographs taken by researchers are intended for reference purposes only and may not be reproduced or sold in any form. Those desiring photographic reproductions of Library materials or permission to reproduce such images should contact the Department of Rights & Reproductions directly.