Rare Book and Manuscript Library

The Rare Book and Manuscript Library occupies the sixth floor of Butler Library and holds collections spanning more than 4,000 years of human civilization. The holdings include cuneiform tablets, early printed works, handwritten documents, and archives related to American history, literature, mathematics, and performing arts.

The library was founded in 1930 and received major acquisitions early on, including John James Audubon's 'The Birds of America' during William A. Duer's tenure. Since then, it has grown through strategic purchases and donations into one of the most comprehensive rare collections in the region.

The collections feature handwritten works and printed books spanning different time periods, showing visitors how writing and printing developed across centuries. These materials reflect the intellectual life and creative expression of many cultures throughout history.

The reading rooms are open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM and require appointments to visit. It is best to make reservations at least a week ahead to ensure the materials you want to see are available and ready.

The library holds the Bakhmeteff Archive, an extensive collection of documents about Russian and Eastern European history. This archive offers deep insight into lesser-known aspects of European cultural and political development that visitors rarely expect to find.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: July 1, 1930

Part of: Butler Library

Address: 6th Floor East Butler Library, 535 West 114th St, New York, NY 10027

Phone: +12128545590

Email: rbml@library.columbia.edu

Website: https://library.columbia.edu/libraries/rbml.html

GPS coordinates: 40.80640,-73.96310

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:03