The Nolen Library
Nolen Library Hours and Access – All bags, briefcases and coats must be checked in one of the Museum’s check areas or in a library locker.
Monday (staff only) 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Tuesday–Thursday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
(visitors: 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)
Friday 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
(visitors: 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.)
Saturday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Summer hours:
In June, July and August, Nolen Library closes at 5:00 p.m. every day and is closed on Sundays in August.
Closed on national and staff holidays, including Lincoln’s birthday, Election Day, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving weekend; the library closes at 3:00 p.m. on Fridays before holiday weekends.
Telephone: (212) 570-3788
E-mail: nolen.library@metmuseum.org
The Nolen Library in the Ruth and Harold D. Uris Center for Education is open to all Museum visitors and welcomes readers of all ages to consult a wide range of noncirculating materials about the Museum’s current exhibitions, permanent collection, and art history in general.
The collection of some 8,000 items, arranged in open shelves, includes books, picture books, DVDs and videos (with viewing equipment). The library’s holdings are cataloged in WATSONLINE, the Museum libraries’ online catalog. The library is equipped with laptops for research, wireless access, color scanner, and access to the libraries’ subscription electronic resources. It is located on the Ground Floor near the Museum’s 81st St. entrance.
Library’s location in the Museum.
Nolen Library Collection Development Policy.
Children’s Reading Room
The Children’s Reading Room features a collection of books for young readers and computers with art-related games and stories.
Materials for Teachers
The Nolen Library houses a variety of materials to assist teachers and other education specialists. These materials may be checked out to registered teachers and community group leaders upon registration. See Borrowing Policy for teacher material.
Teachers may arrange to bring groups to the library by appointment. Contact nolen.library@metmuseum.org to inquire about arranging a visit to the library.
Borrowing Policy for teacher materials:
Registered teachers and community educators may borrow up to three items for three weeks. Teachers may register in the Nolen Library with a valid ID showing school affiliation or with a letter on letterhead from a supervisor.
Reference Questions
Nolen Library staff will provide brief responses to questions about the Museum’s collection and events related to the Museum. Please email nolen.library@metmuseum.org.
Storytime in Nolen Library
Children aged three to seven are invited to Storytime in Nolen Library Tuesday — Friday at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday at 3 p.m. Each session can be followed up with an optional treasure hunt in the galleries, to view objects related to the stories read. Participants have the opportunity to follow up with an optional gallery visit, to view objects related to the stories read (directions are provided at the end of each session).