Houghton Library | Harvard Library

Houghton Library | Harvard Library Houghton Library Home to Harvard’s rare books and manuscripts, literary and performing arts archives, and more: a destination for students, scholars, and the public. Today's Hours View all General 10am - 5pm Archives and Special Collections Reading Room at Houghton Library 10am - 4:45pm Houghton Exhibition Galleries 10am - 5pm Open to All Researchers Houghton Library’s rare and unique special collection materials are available to all researchers regardless of affiliation. All materials must be requested for viewing in our reading room in advance of visiting the library. Researching with Special Collections Learn how to find and access special collection materials from Houghton Library as well as other libraries across Harvard. Visiting the Reading Room Make an appointment to view materials in our reading room and learn more about what to expect for your visit. Ask a Houghton Librarian If you have a research questions or are not sure how to access our collections, our librarians are here to help. HOLLIS for Archival Discovery (link is external, opens in a new tab) Catalog of collection guides, finding aids, and inventories to help you locate special collection materials. HOLLIS Special Request (link is external, opens in a new tab) Manage your requests to view materials onsite or request copies of library materials. Copies & Reproductions Request digitization of collection items for research or publication. Fellowships & Prizes Houghton Library offers several fellowships, prizes, and funding opportunities for researchers at Harvard and beyond. Explore Our Fellowship Opportunities Collection Highlights Our collections highlight rare books, manuscripts, and archives spanning literature, history, and the arts, supporting humanities research from the medieval period to today. Explore Houghton Collections Collection Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts Collection The Emily Dickinson Collection Collection Woodberry Poetry Room Collection of Literary Recordings Collection Harrison D. Horblit Collection of Early Photography Collection Harvard Theatre Collection Collection Ludlow-Santo Domingo Library Teach with Houghton Houghton Library offers many opportunities for teaching and learning with primary sources and unique texts. Whether you're looking to bring in a group for a single visit, develop a semester-long project, or anything in between, we're here to facilitate your learning and curiosity. Collaborate with Us Exhibitions Exhibitions and events are open to the public. If you can’t visit in person, you can explore many of our exhibitions and collection highlights online through Bloomberg Connects Thanks for Typing Women’s Type Labor in Literature and the Arts Through Friday, May 1, 2026 Edison and Newman Room, Floor 1 Houghton Library New Acquisitions Winter 2026 Through Friday, April 24, 2026 Houghton Lobby, Floor 1 Houghton Library Cataloging the Sky John Flamsteed and the Royal Greenwich Observatory Through Friday, April 24, 2026 Houghton Lobby, Floor 1 Houghton Library Apr 24 Tour of Houghton Library Library Tour 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Houghton Library Apr 27 Curatorial Chat: Thanks for Typing: Women's Type Labor in Literature and the Arts Event 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM Houghton Library Apr 30 Helen Vendler Remembrance & Celebration Event 5:00 PM - 6:15 PM Houghton Library See More Houghton Events About Houghton Library Houghton Library Newsletter Sign up (link is external, opens in a new tab) Fellowships Exhibition Loan Requests (link is external, opens in a new tab) Copyright Questions Media & Filming Requests Recent News April 9, 2026 Houghton Library Displays Revolution-era News and Propaganda A new exhibit reveals how early Americans learned about the war. March 13, 2026 You know the author. Meet the typist. Exhibit celebrates women who labored behind the scenes of masterworks. Access Houghton Library’s exhibits, events and reading room are open to all. Researchers wishing to view materials in the reading room must submit requests in advance of their visit. Appointments are recommended. Reading Room Appointments Location Harvard Yard Cambridge MA 02138 United States Directions Building Accessibility Connect General houghton_library@harvard.edu 617-495-2440 Ask a Houghton Librarian Subscribe to Our Newsletter