Dag Hammarskjöld Library

Dag Hammarskjöld Library is a specialized library within the United Nations headquarters complex, holding more than 400,000 books and documents on international topics. The space connects through corridors to the Secretariat and serves as the central archive for the organization's work.

The library was established in 1946 with the founding of the United Nations and renamed in 1961 after the second Secretary-General, who died in an accident while serving. The building was designed by architects Harrison & Abramovitz, who also shaped other parts of headquarters.

The collection reflects the work of the United Nations, with books on international law, human rights, and peace missions that diplomats use daily. You can see how an international organization organizes its knowledge to support its work.

This location is not accessible to regular visitors, as only diplomats and United Nations staff can use the space. Those interested in exploring the United Nations should instead take public tours of headquarters, where you can learn more about the organization.

The library holds complete collections of publications from every UN agency and subsidiary organization, making it the world's largest repository of its kind. This role as the global memory of the organization is little known, even though experts from around the world conduct research here.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1946

Architects: Harrison & Abramovitz

Part of: United Nations, Headquarters of the United Nations

Phone: +12129633000

Email: library-ny@un.org

Website: https://library.un.org

GPS coordinates: 40.74889,-73.96919

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:41