Beinecke Library

Activity Overview

Beinecke Library of the Yale University Library in New Haven, Connecticut, is a book library that archives rare books and manuscripts. Beinecke Library was a gift by the Beinecke family and was established in 1963. The library is a part of the Yale University's library archive, the iconic building of the library was designed by Gordon Bunshaft. The library is currently undergoing renovations, which should be complete by September, 2016. A reading room will be available to the public during the renovations. Alongside special book collections, the library holds temporary exhibits year-round. The library offers free admission.

Things to Do

• Visit the library, if you love reading books, there are rare books printed in 1751, 1801 and 1821. It has books, pamphlets, maps, poetry, ancient manuscripts, and modern books.
• The temporary reading room until renovations are complete is in Yale's sterling memorial library, the hours of the reading room are 9AM to 4:45PM, Monday through Friday.
• To access reading material from the collection, it should be registered online before visiting.
• The rare book collection includes a complete Gutenberg Bible, the Audubon book, and ancient Japanese books.
• The building has a unique architecture, with white marble on the exterior and the inside is lit dimly with light coming from the outside from the translucent marble walls.

Beinecke Library Insider Tips

• Rare books and manuscripts must be handled with care.