History of the Livingston Masonic Library – Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library
Source: https://nymasoniclibrary.org/about-us/history
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:22
History of the Livingston Masonic Library – Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library
Skip to content
(212) 337-6620
info@nymasoniclibrary.org
About Us
History of the Livingston Masonic Library
The Library
Borrowing Policy
Library Policies
Archives
Lodge Historical Files – Please call 212 337 6619 for digital access to the Lodge Historical File
Blog
Downloads
The Lamplight Newsletter
The Masonic Library of the Grand Lodge (F&AM) of the State of New York
was founded in the 1850s to house the books and records held by the Grand Lodge. The Library expanded in the late 19th century with the addition of the collection of Robert Morris, Masonic poet laureate, and continued to grow through donations and acquisitions of new books relating to Freemasonry. In 1935, the Library and the Grand Lodge Board of Antiquities were combined under the Board of General Activities, and the Library and Museum became a single entity, occupying space at Masonic Hall at 71 West 23rd Street in Manhattan. The Library served primarily as a reading room for Masons. Throughout the 20th century, the resources and services of the Library continued to expand under the guidance of Wendel K. Walker.
The Library began to assume its role as a premier center for Masonic research. This status was validated in 1983 with the achievement of a charter from the New York State Board of Regents as the Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library of Grand Lodge. The year 1996 saw a relocation of the Library to the 14th floor of Masonic Hall, where facilities were constructed to provide adequate environmental controls for the book and artifact collections.
Current Hours of Operation
Walk-ins are welcomed! All researchers
must schedule an appointment
before their visit, including assistance with signing up for the Reading Course.
Monday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Wednesday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Contact Us
71 West 23rd Street
14th Floor
New York, NY 10010
(212)- 337-6619
info@nymasoniclibrary.org
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Thank You to RW Jason Sheridan for the images used throughout the website.
Translate »
Skip to content
(212) 337-6620
info@nymasoniclibrary.org
About Us
History of the Livingston Masonic Library
The Library
Borrowing Policy
Library Policies
Archives
Lodge Historical Files – Please call 212 337 6619 for digital access to the Lodge Historical File
Blog
Downloads
The Lamplight Newsletter
The Masonic Library of the Grand Lodge (F&AM) of the State of New York
was founded in the 1850s to house the books and records held by the Grand Lodge. The Library expanded in the late 19th century with the addition of the collection of Robert Morris, Masonic poet laureate, and continued to grow through donations and acquisitions of new books relating to Freemasonry. In 1935, the Library and the Grand Lodge Board of Antiquities were combined under the Board of General Activities, and the Library and Museum became a single entity, occupying space at Masonic Hall at 71 West 23rd Street in Manhattan. The Library served primarily as a reading room for Masons. Throughout the 20th century, the resources and services of the Library continued to expand under the guidance of Wendel K. Walker.
The Library began to assume its role as a premier center for Masonic research. This status was validated in 1983 with the achievement of a charter from the New York State Board of Regents as the Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library of Grand Lodge. The year 1996 saw a relocation of the Library to the 14th floor of Masonic Hall, where facilities were constructed to provide adequate environmental controls for the book and artifact collections.
Current Hours of Operation
Walk-ins are welcomed! All researchers
must schedule an appointment
before their visit, including assistance with signing up for the Reading Course.
Monday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Wednesday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Contact Us
71 West 23rd Street
14th Floor
New York, NY 10010
(212)- 337-6619
info@nymasoniclibrary.org
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Thank You to RW Jason Sheridan for the images used throughout the website.
Translate »