February 21, 2025

The Schlesinger Library Reading Room is open Monday–Friday from 10:00am to 4:45pm, with the building closing to researchers at 5:00pm. Please review current access policies.

On Thursday, April 10th, the Reading Room will be open from 10am-2pm.

The Library will be closed on Monday, May 26th in observance of Memorial Day.

While masks are not required in the Reading Room, we have a supply of masks available in the Reading Room for anyone interested. For assistance, please ask at the desk.

1. Contact us in advance of your visit
 

• Please visit the Ask a Schlesinger Librarian web page to start a conversation with the Research Services Team. We can:
  • recommend additional sources and provide in-depth research assistance.
  • coordinate access to the materials. Many of our collections are stored off-site and some have access restrictions.
  • assist with access to other formats such as A/V materials and oversized items, as those items require advance notice.
  • answer questions regarding accommodation requests.
• Information for research teams or researchers coordinating with a research proxy is available on our Research Teams Guide.

2. Request materials for your visit

• Schlesinger Library materials must be requested online using your HOLLIS Special Request account. HOLLIS Special Request is available to all researchers and a single account can be used for all participating Harvard libraries and archives. No Harvard affiliation is required. This account allows you to manage your requests for access to Schlesinger Library’s materials. Instructions for placing requests, including how-to videos, are available in the Requesting Materials guide. If you have questions, please reach out through the Ask a Schlesinger Librarian webform.

3. Imaging Equipment and Tech for Loan in the Reading Room
 

• Each table is equipped with overhead document cameras, called Hovercams. You can download the software on your own laptop or ask us about using a loaner laptop in the Reading Room during your visit. More information is available on our Guide to Hovercams.
• Prefer to use your own camera or phone? No problem, just turn off your flash and leave your camera case and free-standing tripod behind.
  • The Library has two camera mounts, which can support a smart phone or DSLR camera, and two camera remotes, which can be connected to a smart phone's camera app via bluetooth. These tools are available for loan on a first come, first served basis.
• Additional equipment available on a first come, first served basis:
  • Wireless Mouse
  • Three PC laptops
  • USB-C to USB-A/HDMI adapter
  • Flash drives
  • iPhone charger

4. What to bring
 

• At the reception desk on the first floor, you will register for your HOLLIS Special Request account if you have not already done so. On your first visit to the Library, you will be asked to present a photo ID.  
• Pencils, phones, digital cameras, laptops or tablets, and flash drives are welcome in the Reading Room.
• Leave pens/markers, notebooks, paper, folders, coats and outwear, wallets, device cases, food/drink, and bags in the lockers. We provide loose-leaf paper and pencils if you wish to take notes.

Before your visit, please review the Schlesinger Library's policies and procedures.