Frequently Asked Questions

Many of our items are digitized and available for view through our Digital Collections tab.  More collections are added all the time so check back often for new additions. Digital image requests are filled by the Digital Services Department and you may submit your request via the Digital Image Request Form. Click here to download the Digital Image Request Form.

The oldest item in our collection is a rare Sumerian cuneiform, which dates from ca. 2375 BC.  It is an economic text dealing with measurements of fields and containing information such as the owner/cultivator and their occupation. At the time the cuneiform was made, Sumer was under the rule of Lugalzaggesi, Governor of Umma.

There are several restaurants within walking distance of Central Library.

Click here for the Central Library parking information page.

Visitors are welcome to bring pencils and paper, laptop computers, tablets, smartphones, and cameras into the RBM Reading Room.  Food and beverages, as well as ink pens and large bags are prohibited.  These items must be deposited in the secured lockers located in the adjacent St. Louis Room.

Special Collections materials may not be removed from the Reading Room for any reason. After use, all materials should be left on the tables or returned to the staff at the Reading Room desk.

All collections and books must be handled with extreme care and clean hands.

You may request a magnifying glass for enhanced viewing.

Gloves are available when handling photographs or artifacts.

Folders inside storage boxes should be removed one at a time and replaced in the correct order. Likewise, materials inside folders should be kept in the same order they are found.

Ask staff for assistance if photocopying or scanning is desired.

You do not need a library card to experience our collections. Researchers are asked to sign in to the department when entering.

Appointments are encouraged but not required. We encourage researchers to contact the department before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you.  Many of our materials are held offsite and will need to be located and retrieved prior to your arrival. Please call 314-539-0370 or email a member of the department via webref@slpl.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access to the department. If you are unable to visit Central Library, please contact us for assistance.

We are located on the Third Floor of Central Library.

We are open to the public Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except for observed holidays.

Rare Books and Manuscripts is home to St. Louis Public Library’s rare books, manuscript and photograph collections, and the Library’s institutional archives. RBM regularly accommodates researchers and scholars from around the globe. We are also happy to assist casual visitors and students who are interested in learning more about our unique materials.

Additionally, we maintain exhibit space in the RBM reading room where notable selections from the department are on display.