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Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library: A Treasury of Literary History

Explore a world of literary treasures at Yale's iconic Beinecke Library, home to rare books and manuscripts spanning centuries.

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The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Yale University is one of the world's largest libraries dedicated to the preservation of rare books and manuscripts. Its iconic architecture, featuring a translucent marble facade, houses a vast collection spanning centuries and cultures.

A brief summary to Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library

  • Monday 9 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-7 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the public exhibition hall to see rotating displays of rare books and manuscripts.
  • Take a guided tour to learn more about the library's architecture and collections.
  • Check the library's calendar for events, programs, and exhibitions.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the New Haven Green, walk north on College Street towards Yale University. Turn right onto Wall Street. The Beinecke Library will be on your left, on Hewitt Quadrangle. The walk is approximately 5 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Several Yale University Shuttle routes stop near the Beinecke Library. Check the Yale Transit website or the Downtowner app for real-time shuttle locations and schedules. The closest stops are on College Street and Grove Street. A single ride on the Yale Shuttle is free.

  • Parking

    Limited metered street parking is available on Grove, College, and York Streets near the library. Meters accept credit cards, nickels, dimes, and quarters, or the Parkmobile app. Off-street parking facilities within walking distance include the garage at 56 Broadway and the lot at 65 Grove Street. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around $3 per hour.

Unlock the Best of Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library

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Discover more about Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library

The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, a part of Yale University, stands as a testament to the enduring power of the written word. Designed by Gordon Bunshaft of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the library opened in 1963 as a gift from the Beinecke family, serving as a symbol of their loyalty and a source of inspiration. The library's architecture is striking. The six-story above-ground tower of book stacks is encased in a windowless facade made of translucent Vermont marble, allowing filtered daylight to permeate the interior with a warm, golden glow. This design protects the collections from damaging direct sunlight. Below ground, two floors extend under Hewitt Quadrangle, housing a reading room, administrative offices, and additional book storage. The lower level features high-density shelving for books and archives. The Beinecke Library's collection is vast and diverse, containing over 1 million volumes and several million manuscripts. Highlights include a Gutenberg Bible, original Audubon bird prints, the Voynich Manuscript, and materials from the Yale Association of Japan collection. The library also holds significant collections of American literature, German literature, and Western Americana. The library is open to Yale students, faculty, and visiting researchers. Public visitors are welcome in the exhibition hall, where they can view rotating displays of the library's treasures.

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