Reading Room
We welcome a worldwide community of scholars and the broader public to access our collections.
Please note that the Reading Room will be closed November 25–29, 2024
and December 23, 2024–January 10, 2025.
Welcome
The Hoover Institution Library & Archives reading room is located in the Herbert Hoover Memorial Building. Books, journals, periodicals, maps, newspapers, manuscripts, and archives are delivered from the closed stacks and from off-site storage for use in the reading room. Certain electronic resources like microfilms and digitized collections are also served in the reading room. We are open to the public for research, but reservations are required.
Open Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
By Reservation Only
Get Directions
Accessibility Directions
Plan a Research Visit
Our reading room is open to the public for academic research. Reservations are required at least 7 days in advance. Before visiting the reading room, please review our guide to get started.
Access and Resources
Entry Point
To access the reading room, please enter through the Herbert Hoover Memorial Building main entrance from level 1. Please call upon arrival for accessibility directions.
Lockers
We provide free lockers to stow away certain personal items that are not allowed in the reading room during your visit.
Construction Alert
Due to the construction of the George P. Shultz building (former site of the Lou Henry Hoover Building), please refer to the access map which indicates the primary walking path to Hoover Tower and the Library & Archives reading room.
Visitor Policies
Visitor Requirements
For visitors entering or leaving our reading room we provide lockers, pencils, and notepaper as certain personal items are not allowed. Please read our visitor requirements to ensure you are prepared for your visit.
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Library & Archives Policies
Policies are in place to guide researchers and to ensure that materials are cared for and available for their ongoing use
View All PoliciesResearch Services
In support of a vibrant community of scholars and the public interested in the meaning and role of history, the Hoover Institution Library & Archives is open to anyone. Whether you are planning an onsite visit or conducting your research from afar, staff are dedicated to connecting users with the most relevant materials through reference consultations, assisting with registration and material requests, digitization, and more.
Contact Us
Address
434 Galvez Mall, Stanford University Stanford, CA 94305-6003
Go to our Visit Us page for more details.
Phone
650-723-3563
