Rare Book Reading Room

The C. V. Starr East Asian Library owns many rare and unique materials in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Tibetan, and Western languages. These non-circulating materials, which include valuable art folios and special collections, are available for use by readers in the Kress Rare Book and Special Collections Reading Room.

Readers are urged to use materials during these hours. In some cases, additional hours can be arranged by advance appointment. Consult a reference librarian or circulation desk attendant.

The special collections and rare books are available for consultation in the Kress Rare Book and Special Collections Reading Room, C. V. Starr East Asian Library, the entrance to which is at the east end of the 200 level of the stacks.

• The Rare Book and Special Collections Reading Room is for special collections and rare book readers only. The materials are for use only under the supervision of library staff.
  
  
• The Rare Book and Special Collections stacks cannot be browsed. Library staff will retrieve requested item(s) for you. You need to present a completed request form (available in the Rare Book Reading Room), and a valid CUID.
  
  
• Non-affiliates need to consult the Library Information Office, 201 Butler Library, (212) 854-7309, about temporary reading privileges.
  
  
• Please make sure to check CLIO and the card catalogs for call numbers before coming to the Special Collections and Rare Book Reading Room since no catalogs are available there.
  
  
• Handle the materials with extreme care; many are fragile. Pencils only may be used for taking notes.
  
  
• Reproduction services are available, at a charge. Reproductions may be made only by library staff. Please consult a librarian should you wish to have rare or special collections materials copied.