We invite researchers to consult books, manuscripts, periodicals, pamphlets, broadsides, and other printed materials in the William H. Scheide Reading Room. The Reading Room is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Appointments are required, please schedule here: Book an Appointment

Preparing for your visit:

Researchers can determine if LCP has material relevant to their project by searching the library catalog, browsing subject guides and finding aids, or by contacting the appropriate staff  member. The guide on How to Search Collections is a great resource to help researchers get started.

Each time you visit the Library Company, please check in at the front desk. You may bring pencils and notebooks into the Reading Room, as well as computers, cameras, cellphones, and tablets. The Library Company provides free Wi-Fi to library patrons. You may also use the desktop catalog terminals available in the Reading Room.

Please stow away all bags, coats, umbrellas, and other bulky items into a locker in the lobby. Please also put away pens, markers, ink, and any kind of food or liquid. These items are not permitted in the reading room.

Questions about research, appointments, and accessibility accommodations may be directed to [email protected].

Reference Assistance:

The reading room is staffed by a team of curators, librarians, and others, all with expertise in the collection subject strengths. For reference assistance, please contact [email protected] to be connected with a specialist.