Admission to the Research Library

For more than 80 years the Library has served scholars with its collections of rare books, manuscripts, graphic materials, and reference works for the scholarly study of British and American history and literature, the history of science, and the history of the book.  

Application for Reading Privileges

Individuals wishing to apply for reading privileges at The Huntington should submit an application to the Reader Services Department. Registration is by appointment only. Please select from the following applications:

Faculty Members

Doctoral Students

Independent Scholars

2013 Hours for Researchers

The Library is open to holders of current readers' cards Monday through Saturday:

 

Monday	8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday	8:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
Wednesday	8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thursday	8:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
Friday	8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday	8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Rare material is available in the Ahmanson Reading Room Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m.–4:45 p.m.

The Library is closed to readers on the following days:  New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.  Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day, and Christmas Day.

 

Renewal of Reading Privileges

The Library grants reading privileges for specific subjects and periods, and renews privileges under appropriate circumstances. Readers who wish to renew their Library cards should make an appointment with the Reader Services Department by email or by calling 626-405-2191.   

PhD candidates who wish to renew their reader's cards must be able to demonstrate continuing engagement in dissertation research. Documentation may take the form of a current student id or a letter from a dissertation committee member.  

Registrars are available to renew readers cards during the following hours.

A replacement fee will be charged for lost cards.   

 

Monday	8:30-11 a.m. & 1-4 p.m.
Tuesday	8:30-11 a.m. & 1-4 p.m.
Wednesday	1 pm.-4 p.m.
Thursday	8:30-11 a.m. & 1-4 p.m.
Friday	8:30-11 a.m. & 1-4 p.m.
Saturday	8:30-9:30 a.m. & 1-2:30 p.m.
Sunday	-

Botanical Library

The Huntington's Botanical Division also maintains a curatorial collection that is not open to the general public. Readers at the Huntington Library may request materials from the Botanical Library through the Reader Services Department.

The holdings of the Botanical Library are listed in the Huntington Online Catalog. Questions relating to items listed in the catalog may be addressed to Danielle Rudeen.