Special Collections Reading Rooms

When you request materials in your Special Collections Account, the reading room where you will use the materials will be indicated on the request form. The readings rooms are located in different libraries across campus, and, in one case (the Lewis Walpole Library), at a Yale site some distance from New Haven.


Reading Rooms for: Arts Library | Beinecke Library | Divinity LibraryLewis Walpole LibraryManuscripts and Archives | Medical Historical Library | Music Library | University ArchivesYale Center for British Art


Arts Library Reading Room

Haas Family Arts Library Special Collections

A patron using the Haas reading room

190 York Street
New Haven, CT 06511

haasalsc@yale.edu

203-432-2645

The Arts Library is located at the corner of Chapel and York Streets.  Enter through the street-level door for the Loria Center, 190 York Street, and proceed straight ahead to enter the library. Appointments are required for this reading room during the summer.

Beinecke Library Reading Room

Beinecke Library | Plan a Visit

Beinecke reading room

121 Wall Street
New Haven, CT 06511

beinecke.library@yale.edu

203-432-2972

The reading room is on the lower (courtyard) level. Lockers for personal belongings are on the entrance level, before you go downstairs to the reading room.

Divinity Library Reading Room

Divinity Library Special Collections | Plan a Visit

Divinity Reading Room

409 Prospect Street
New Haven, CT 06511

divinity.library@yale.edu

203-432-5274

The Divinity Library is located within the Divinity School building. A major construction project has blocked the Divinity School’s main entrance and visitor parking. A temporary entrance is located along the southern driveway next to the blue library book drop. Once inside the Divinity School, follow signs to the library.

Lewis Walpole Library Reading Room

Lewis Walpole Library | Plan a Visit

Walpole Reading Room

154 Main Street
Farmington, CT 06032

walpole@yale.edu

860-677-2140

The Lewis Walpole Library is located in Farmington, CT, about 40 miles from the Yale New Haven campus. The main entrance to the library is through the small arched portico at the intersection of the new red barn-like building and the white clapboard house. Ring the doorbell for admission. Library staff will direct you to the Reading Room.

Manuscripts and Archives Reading Room

Sterling Memorial Library

Manuscripts and Archives Reading Room

120 High St
New Haven, CT 06511

beinecke.library@yale.edu

203-432-1735

Enter from High Street and ask for directions at the Service Desk or from Library Security. This is the reading room for University Archives, Music Library Special Collections, and the collections of Manuscripts and Archives.

Medical Historical Library Reading Room

Medical Historical Library  | Plan a Visit

Medical Historical Library Reading Room

333 Cedar St
New Haven, CT 06510

historical.library@yale.edu

203-737-1192

The Medical Historical Library is part of the Cushing/Whitney Medical Library and located within the Yale School of Medicine. From the School of Medicine security desk, go right, and enter the Medical Library at the second entryway on the left.

Yale Center for British Art Study Room

[Effective August 1, 2024, the Study Room will be unavailable through the end of 2024.]

YCBA Study Room

Visitors in the Study Room, Yale Center for British Art, photo © Elizabeth Felicella / ESTO

1080 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT 06510

ycba.studyroom@yale.edu

203-432-2841

YCBA is closed for renovation through the end of 2024. When it reopens, researchers may request and access YCBA collection materials in the Study Room by appointment. You must confirm your appointment at least two business days before your desired date by contacting ycba.studyroom@yale.edu