Use the library

Register as a researcher at https://request.folger.edu/.

When you arrive for your first visit, bring a photo ID with you to present at the Visitor Services desk in the West Lobby.  

Anyone age 18 or older.  

Anyone under 18 years old needs to be enrolled in a Folger-sponsored program or come to the Reading Room with a registered researcher who is over 18.  

Registration is active for one year. Renewal is easy—you’ll be prompted to confirm or update your personal information in your account every year.  

The Reading Room is open Tuesday-Friday from 9:30am-4:30pm 

The Reading Room observes all U.S. Federal holidays and Emancipation Day (Washington, D.C.). Closures may occur on other days and will be announced in the request system and on this page.  

Currently you do not need to make an appointment to use the Reading Room. But you will need to register at https://request.folger.edu/ and present a photo ID when you first visit the Reading Room.  

You can bring most research essentials into the Reading Room like laptops without carrying bags or cases, personal electronic devices (e.g. cameras, silent cell phones), pencils, loose leaf paper, file folders, and notebooks. All allowed items should be worn or fit in the clear plastic bags provided in the Locker Room.  

You can read the full list of allowed items here. 

Things that cut, sticky stuff, things that could stain, and lots of other everyday objects could leave permanent marks or otherwise harm collection items. By leaving these items in your locker, you help prevent damage to the collection. Once you’re in the Reading Room, certain tools are available to make research easier and more comfortable (e.g. rulers and magnifying glasses, pencils, etc.). 

You can read the full list of items to leave in the Locker Room here. 

Yes! The Folger collection is here to be explored. Review instructions for item use including handwashing and other precautions in the  above handling guidance. Additional handling guidance will be provided for each item when necessary. 

Access. Researchers can browse the Open Stacks and remove items from the shelves on their own to check out at a circulation desk. Vault items require researchers to place a request for each item through the catalog for staff to retrieve on their behalf.  

You can use the request button to submit your requests in the online catalog. Items will be ready for pickup according to the posted page schedule at the top of this page. 

Our paging schedule is as follows: 

Some items have special considerations that require several weeks of review before use. This will be noted in the access advisory note in the item catalog record.  

You can have up to three (3) Vault items checked out for use at a time, and you can request up to ten (10) to place on hold in the Reading Room. Vault items should be returned to the circulation desk no later than 15 minutes before closing. 

Vault items will remain on hold for 14 days. If you do not consult items in that time, your items will be reshelved and you will need to request them again.

You can retrieve Open Stacks items yourself from the shelves in the Reading Room reference sections or on the Open Stacks lower level. Let staff know if you require any assistance locating an item or retrieving it from the shelf—we’re happy to help! 

You can keep up to ten (10) Open Stacks items on hold for continued use in the Reading Room. All holds will be cancelled if you haven’t checked in to Reading Room within 14 days. 

The Reading Room is kept at around 70°F/21°C degrees, a temperature chosen to strike a balance between human comfort and the preservation of our collection. While you can’t wear coats or gloves in the Reading Room, we do encourage researchers to bring sweaters for personal comfort. 

Breaks are important! Researchers who want to take a break from the Reading Room first need to check in any Vault material at the Circulation Desk to retrieve your exit pass. Hand in the exit pass at the desk in the Reading Room Lobby.  

While food is not permitted in the Reading Room, a refrigerator is available in the Researcher Locker Room. Please note that a microwave is not available and that food prep is not permitted in that space.

You may eat in the Great Hall on the main level or outside of the building.

Coming soon! Our cafe, Quill & Crumb, will be located in the Great Hall.

The Folger Institute provides short-term and long-term artistic and research fellowship support and a range of scholarly programs. Visit the Folger Institute homepage for more information. 

Housing at Folger properties is not currently available for researchers.