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Using the Library - Fellows

Information for fellows.

The Huntington Library is an independent research library for the humanities that welcomes researchers from all over the world. The Reader Services Department, located within the library in the Munger Research Center, is happy to assist you with your research.

We look forward to welcoming you to the library!

Preparing for Your Library Visit

Please use this checklist to prepare for your library visit:

  1. Create an account in Aeon, the library's online registration and request management system. If you are unsure if you already have an Aeon account with the Huntington, please contact us.
  2. Schedule appointments to consult rare materials in the library's reading rooms. Reader Services will contact you to confirm your appointments and schedule a 15-minute library orientation at the beginning of your first visit.
  3. Request rare materials through Aeon at least 72 hours in advance of your first visit. Step-by-step instructions for requesting materials through Aeon are available in the Aeon how-to guide. You may submit requests as needed once you are in residence.
  4. Review the reading room policies and rules of conduct outlined in this research guide.
  5. Bring a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license, state ID or passport) with you to your orientation appointment.

Holiday closures for the Library include but are not limited to:

  • Saturday, January 14 to Monday, January 16, 2023 -  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend
  • Saturday, February 18 to Monday, February 20, 2023 - Presidents' Day weekend
  • Saturday, May 27 to Monday, May 29, 2023 - Memorial Day weekend
  • Saturday, June 17 to Monday, June 19, 2023 - Juneteenth weekend
  • Tuesday, July 4, 2023 - Independence Day

Visit the Reading Room Calendar homepage for the latest information on Library closures.

When You Arrive

Access to the library is free; you do not need to pay admission to the Huntington grounds or become a member to use the library. Parking is free. Rideshare commuters will find a designated drop-off zone near the Admissions courtyard, and there is a bicycle rack in the parking lot.

  • Proceed to the Munger Research Center, where the Reader Services office is located. See the map of the grounds for directions to the Munger.
  • Check-in at the reception desk in the Munger lobby. Security staff will ask you to present an appointment confirmation and a photo ID.
  • Please store bags and personal items in the locker room outside the Reader Services office after checking in. You may borrow a clear plastic bag (available in the locker room) if you need assistance carrying your belongings.

At the beginning of your first visit, you'll meet with a Reader Services staff member for a brief library orientation to issue/renew your library card and review library procedures.

  • Bring a current government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport) with you to your orientation.
  • Be prepared to have your photo taken for identification purposes.

TIP: The library operates during museum hours. Allow yourself extra time to make your way to the Munger Research Center. If you arrive before 10:00 a.m., enter the grounds at the Allen gate, located at the intersection of Allen Avenue and Orlando Road, south of California Boulevard.
Rideshare and GPS address: 1800 Orlando Road, San Marino, CA 91108.

COVID-19: Requirements for Visitors

Mask Policy

In line with Los Angeles County’s Mask Wearing Rules and Recommendations for indoor public spaces, masks are strongly recommended but not required while using the library. Researchers who prefer to wear a mask may continue to do so. Disposable masks are available in a dispenser in the Munger lobby.

Vaccination Policy

In its continued effort to protect the health and well-being of our staff and patrons, The Huntington requires all readers to be "up-to-date" by Monday, March 7, 2022.  “Up-to-date” means a person is fully vaccinated, has received a booster dose, or is fully vaccinated but not yet booster-eligible.

By requesting an appointment to use the Library, you agree to follow the institution's vaccination policy and comply with the following requirements:

You attest to being "up-to-date" and understand that you must present proof for entry.

Each time you arrive for an appointment, be sure to bring:

  • Proof of your appointment AND
  • Current reader card (if already issued) AND
  • CDC Vaccination Card (original) or other original certificate issued by a governmental health service OR
  • Digital COVID-19 vaccine record with QR code OR
  • Digital image of the front of your original vaccine card that includes your full name, vaccine product name, and dates administered.

Researchers must continue to follow health and safety guidelines.

Currently, we are unable to accept proof of a negative test or grant exemptions. We will update researchers when there are changes to institutional policy and library capacity. As stated above, vaccine verification will be checked at the door each time you arrive for an appointment.

When making an appointment or contacting the library, do not upload any images of your vaccination record. Please do not share any medical information when communicating with Huntington staff.