Reading Room Update:

May 15, 2024

Harvard Commencement/Radcliffe Day Hours

The Library will be closed on Friday, May 24 for Radcliffe Day, but will be open by prior arrangement on Commencement Day, Thursday, May 23.

Please contact us in advance if you plan to visit on May 23. The Library will be open but the main door will be locked and access to the Radcliffe Yard will be limited to the entrance between the Knafel and Fay buildings along Mason Street (view map). Contact us via the Ask a Librarian form below to plan your visit and to arrange accommodations if needed.

The Schlesinger Library Reading Room is open Monday–Friday from 10:00 to 4:45, with the building closing to researchers at 5:00. Please review current access policies.

Please note:Although not required, masking is encouraged in the Schlesinger Library Reading Room.

All researchers must create a HOLLIS Special Request account to request Schlesinger Library materials. HOLLIS Special Request is available to Harvard and non-Harvard researchers and can be used at any participating Harvard library or archives. This account is used to place and manage your requests for access to Schlesinger Library’s materials. You can learn more in the Requesting Materials guide.
Please note: Submitting a request through HOLLIS Special Request does not guarantee that your materials will be available on your selected visit date.

Please share your questions using the form below. While priority assistance is given to the research needs of Harvard students and faculty, please know we will answer all inquiries as we are able. Response times will be affected by the volume and complexity of questions. We appreciate your patience.