Classics Library

Phelps Hall

Thousands of years, thousands of books, scenic overlooks.

Located on the fifth floor above Phelps Gate, overlooking Old Campus and the New Haven Green, the Classics Library supports the study of Greco-Roman world and its reception from the Iron Age through Late Antiquity. The Classics Library constitutes an integral part of the curricular program of the Yale Department of Classics and functions in close and vital connection with its teaching and research, as well as with the Archaia and Ancient Philosophy programs.

Reserve readings for classics courses are shelved in the Library. Reference and research consultation services are available during normal business hours and via email. Access to the Classics Library is open to current Yale faculty, students, and staff, and entry requires a current Yale ID card. The Library has a scanner and public workstation on-site. All Classics Library materials are non-circulating.

Researching Classics

Lekythos (name vase), showing a Domestic Scene, ca. 460 B.C. Classics Subject Guide
A starting point for Classics research, information about our collections, and how to get help with your research.

L’Année Philologique
The annual index of scholarly publications relating to the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome (500 BCE to 800 CE).

Oxford Bibliographies Classics
Annotated scholarly bibliographies on Classical topics.

About the Library

The library was organized in 1892 by the Greek and Latin Club of Yale University as the Classical Club Library. It has been located in Phelps since 1896. Its collection consists of over 25,000 volumes covering all aspects of Greek and Roman antiquity including epigraphy and papyrology, with a focus on text editions and other primary sources, commentaries, and reference works. These holdings are complementary to the print collections at Sterling Memorial Library, the Haas Family Arts Library, and other Yale libraries.

Access Policy

The Classics Library and its collections are primarily intended to support the study of Greco-Roman antiquity by the Yale Community.

Access to the Classics Library premises is restricted to current Yale students, faculty, and staff at all times. Library users must be prepared to show a current Yale ID on request. Visiting researchers may apply to the Classics Librarian for temporary access. Passes issued by the Sterling Memorial Library or other Yale Libraries do not provide access to the Classics Library.

All Classics Library materials are non-circulating. Books may be stored temporarily at assigned workspaces if a “book marker” is filled out and left in the book’s original shelf position. Reserves, reference books, and journals may not be kept at a carrel.

University regulations stipulate that attempts to remove Library materials without authorization may result in the suspension of library privileges, fines, and/or suspension or dismissal from the University.

Access to electronic resources is limited to currently employed faculty and staff and currently enrolled students of Yale University, and we are unable to provide remote access to non-Yale users.

Only beverages in spill-proof containers are allowed in the Classics Library. Food is prohibited.

The Classics Library is not responsible for the loss or damage of personal items or books from other libraries. We strongly recommend you do not leave items of value unattended.

Additional Information:

Library Use Policies