The Reading Room is a space dedicated to research and discovery. It is open to anyone who has completed the free registration process to receive a Folger researcher ID.
Quick check
Before proceeding, please check that your answers to these two questions are “yes.”
Are you 18 or older?
If you are under 18 years old, you must be enrolled in a Folger-sponsored program or be accompanied by an adult with a Folger researcher ID.
Are you coming to the Reading Room to do research?
During weekdays, the Reading Room is a quiet workspace for researchers using the Folger collection. If you would like to enter the Reading Room but you are not doing research, please see our Tours page for public visiting hours.
Register in advance
To register for a Folger researcher ID, complete a short form at https://request.folger.edu/. You will then be able to use the Reading Room and our Virtual Reading Room services.
Do I need an OpenAthens account?
Yes, OpenAthens is a Single Sign On (SSO) service that allows Folger researchers to login into the request system, catalog, and many of our subscription resources using the same username and password. After registering, you will receive an activation email. You must activate your OpenAthens account in order to request Vault material and access our subscription resources.
Please email reference@folger.edu with any questions about registration.
Before you go
Check the Reading Room hours
Check our Use the library page for the most up-to-date Reading Room hours, which are different from the main Folger building hours, and any scheduled closures.
Review policies and instructions
Carefully review our policies, which include the list of what you are allowed to bring on your research visit. Pens, water bottles, personal books, and many other everyday items are NOT permitted inside the Reading Room.
Request materials in advance
Currently, we are asking that you make requests for materials at least one week before you would like to use them. While most materials will be available for researchers, this advance notice will ensure that the process runs more smoothly.
Review our guidelines for handling collection items
The Folger collection is here to be explored and worked with by researchers. In order to use collection items safely and responsibly, please review our guidelines before you visit.
When you arrive
Finish registering and obtain a Folger ID
Complete your registration process by presenting a current photo ID at the Visitor Experience Desk in the west lobby (the entrance closest to the corner of East Capitol and 2nd Streets, SE). This can be a passport, driver’s license, school ID, work badge, Library of Congress ID, etc.
You will be issued with a Folger ID on your first visit. Please always wear your Folger ID while in the building.
Leave your belongings in the Researcher Locker Room
After you have checked in at the Visitor Experience Desk in the west lobby, you will receive detailed directions to the Researcher Locker Room, which is located on the second floor and across from the Reading Room. Please review our Reading Room policies for what you should leave in the locker room and what you may bring into the Reading Room. Plastic bags are provided for items you are bringing into the Reading Room.
Check in at the Reading Room
Head to the Reading Room Lobby, located across from the locker room, to check in.
More information about using the library
Reading Room policies
Lists of allowed and prohibited items, plus rules about photography and devices
How to request collection items
Procedures for retrieving and returning items in the Reading Room
Handling collection items
Instructions for safe and responsible use of the collection