The library is located on “Beinecke Plaza,” or Hewitt Quadrangle. The main entrance, a revolving door, is located on the plaza across from Woolsey Hall. An accessible entrance is located at the rear of the building.

Public Exhibition Hall (ground floor and mezzanine)

We welcome visitors to the exhibition hall and to attend our regularly scheduled tours. There is no charge, reservation, or registration required for walk-in visits and scheduled tours.  

• Tours: Walk-in guests are welcome to join our regularly scheduled tours free of charge. No registration or reservations are required. Learn more about tours.
• Photography: Still photography and video are permitted for personal, non-commercial use only. Flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are not allowed. Please refrain from filming staff and other gallery guests. Professional or commercial photography or filming of any kind requires advance, written permission. Contact us for more information.  
• Food and Drink: Outside food and drinks are prohibited in the library.
• Bathrooms: There are no public restrooms in the building. Accessible restrooms and water fountains are available nearby in Bass Library and Sterling Memorial Library.
• Media: For exhibition-related media inquiries, please contact beinecke@resnicow.com. All other media questions, including requests for commercial photography and filming, should be sent to beinecke.library@yale.edu. 

Beinecke Reading Room (court level)

The reading room is open to registered researchers free of charge. Yale and non-Yale researchers can learn how to register here. All are welcome to access materials through Digital Collections as well as by requesting reproductions.

Manuscripts and Archives Reading Room (Located in Sterling Memorial Library)

Materials from Beinecke Library’s Manuscripts and Archives collections, the Yale University Archives, and Music Library Special Collections can be requested for use in the Manuscripts and Archives Reading Room.

The Beinecke recognizes the diverse needs of all audiences, and we are committed to making our building, collections, and programs accessible. If you have questions about the accessibility provisions of our facilities, or if you are a researcher requiring accommodation, please email beinecke.library@yale.edu or phone (203) 432-2977 prior to your visit.

Entrance

An accessible entrance is located on the side of the building facing Wall Street. This entrance is normally locked, but our security staff and desk attendants monitor the door and will be happy to assist.

Elevator

All public exhibition spaces and research areas are accessible via an elevator and stairs. Due to the historic design of the building, a staff escort is required to use the elevator located behind the main welcome desk. For questions and assistance, please approach any member of our staff or security team.

Wheelchairs and Seating

Wheelchairs are available for use free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis upon request. All levels of the building have chairs and seating areas, and portable stools are also available for use free of charge.

Accessible Bathrooms

There are no public restrooms in the building. Accessible restrooms and water fountains are available nearby in Bass Library and Sterling Memorial Library.

Large Print Labels

Large print versions of all exhibition texts and object labels are available for use in our galleries.

Parking

Accessible metered parking is available on High St. between Wall St. and Grove St. Additionally, there are designated accessible metered parking spaces throughout Yale’s campus on New Haven streets. These are first-come, first-served and do require use of the meter by Connecticut State Law. Accessible parking tags and license plates from other U.S. states are honored in the city.

Yale Students and Affiliates

We are happy to partner with Student Accessibility Services to meet all students’ needs. More information about Yale Library’s accessibility efforts and resources can be found here: Yale Library Accessibility.

Beinecke's reading rooms and public exhibition hall are closed on:

• Martin Luther King Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day and Friday
• During Yale winter recess from just before Christmas through the New Year holiday (in 2026-27, closed beginning Thursday, December 24, 2026, and reopening on Monday, January 4, 2027).

Learn about the mission, history, collection, and iconic architecture of the Beinecke from a student docent or member of the library’s staff. Discover the history of the original 1742 Library of Yale College; explore the story behind the building’s translucent marble walls and soaring glass book tower; and enjoy highlights from the collection including the Gutenberg Bible, Audubon’s “Birds of America,” and other fascinating works on display. 

Saturdays at 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm. Duration: 45 minutes. See the full schedule of upcoming tours.

Free and open to all! No registration or reservations required. Tours depart from the welcome desk by the main entrance. 

• Self-Guided Tours: An introductory information sheet about the library is available at the reception desk. 
• School Tours by Appointment: Guided educational tours of the library can be tailored to the needs and interests of learners of different ages. Reservations must be arranged at least three weeks in advance. Please email beinecke.library@yale.edu with the subject line “School Tour Request” to learn more and plan a class visit. School visits and tours are free of charge.  
• Special Groups by Appointment: Civic groups, community organizations, and similar clubs can schedule tours on a limited basis. Reservations must be arranged at least three weeks in advance. Please email beinecke.library@yale.edu with the subject line “Tour Request” to plan a visit. Please include the name of your group, number of visitors, and desired tour date(s) in your email. Tours are free of charge, but not all requests can be accommodated.  
• Only library-organized and Yale-led tours are permitted in the building. 

(Tours by appointment are not officially scheduled without a formal confirmation letter from the library.)