About the Library

Annually the Athenæum's library attracts thousands of readers: graduate students and senior scholars, architects, interior designers, museum curators, and the private owners of historic buildings. The research library is open for use without charge, and membership is not required to gain access.

An advance appointment with the curator or librarian specializing in the researcher's area of interest is required, as is valid photo identification to be presented upon arrival at the building. No access to collections is permitted without presenting identification and completing a reader request form. This form is kept on file, together with a record of all materials paged.

The Athenæum receives no public funding, but it provides the region with a resource of first resort on matters of architecture and interior design history from 1800 to 1945.

Most of the Athenæum's rare books and visual materials (especially architectural drawings) are included in the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN).  You can also search the Athenæum's online public catalogue, Athena.

•  Descriptions of major library collections
•  Establish a book fund.

Copyright 2008 The Athenæum of Philadelphia