Who may use the collections? | Regulations | Address
Support for researchers | Hours | Directions |Inclement Weather

Carrington Bowles,
An East Perspective View of the City of Philadelphia

Who May Use the Collections

The Library is open to all researchers who demonstrate a need to use the unique resources under its care. Upon arrival, prospective readers will be asked to complete registration, providing their name, current address, institutional affiliation, and two forms of identification, at least with a photograph.

Because scheduling conflicts may on occasion result in the early closure of the Library, researchers are requested to phone or e-mail at least 24 hours in advance to arrange an appointment. Researchers may wish to consult the published bibliographies and guides to APS collections, and should feel free to contact staff members for research consultation in advance of any visit.

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Regulations

Only pencils, loose leaf paper, or a laptop computer are permitted in the reading room. Secure lockers are available for storing bags, computer cases, coats, and other items not permitted in the reading room.

Readers may use only one box of manuscripts at a time.

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Reproduction of Library Materials

The American Philosophical Society provides photo-reproductions in reasonable amounts for scholarly use under the following conditions:

• The APS does not sell photo-reproductions. Fees are assessed for services in identifying, copying, and mailing duplicates.
• The APS reserves the right to limit the number of duplicates in any order or to decline to make duplicates of any book or manuscript. We permit no more than 400 photocopies per month to any individual reader.
• Except for brief excerpts, material under copyright will not be duplicated without the written permission of the copyright owner. Researchers assume sole responsibility for any infringement of copyright.
• The APS reserves the right not to duplicate any book or manuscript that in the judgment of the staff may be harmed in the process.
• Copies are prepared solely for the use of the researcher and may not be placed in other repositories without the prior written permission of the APS.
• Microfilm and color transparencies are made available as loans only, and must be returned to the Library. Microfilm is available on loan for six months, renewable upon request for up to an additional six months. Transparencies are available for the duration of the project or six months, whichever is less.

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Support for Research

The A.P.S. offers a number of grants in aid of research, both for work to be carried out at the Library and elsewhere. Information on granting programs and eligibility is located on the research grants pages.

Reference requests or general inquiries regarding the library's collections can be directed to the appropriate departments using the query form, e-mail, or surface mail. Please be sure to include name, surface address, and e-mail address in your inquiry.

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Hours

The Library is open 9 AM to 4.45 PM, Monday-Friday, except holidays. Please notify the Library at least 24 hours in advance of any visit.

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Address

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Directions

View map (large file)

The American Philosophical Society is located near the corner of 5th and Chestnut Streets in the heart of Center City Philadelphia. Philosophical Hall, the Society's original building, is located adjacent to Independence Hall, its entrance facing to the east on 5th Street. Library Hall faces Philosophical Hall across 5th Street. The entrance is on Library Street on the south side.

The SEPTA transit map displays all three train stations (30th Street, Suburban, and Market-East Stations) and includes all major subway, El, and bus routes in Center City.

By air. From Philadelphia International Airport, take any of SEPTA's regional rail lines into Center City to Market East Station (10th and Market). Market Street is one block north of Chestnut.

By train. Amtrak trains arrive at 30th Street Station. Take the Market-Frankford El into Center City to the corner of 5th and Market Street.

Parking. Parking garages are located at 4th and Ludlow (between Chestnut and Market, atop the Ritz Theater) and under Independence Mall (entered from 6th Street between Market and Chestnut). Street parking is at a premium.

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Inclement Weather

In the event of inclement weather, the APS Library will close when Philadelphia public schools are closed.