CONNECT WITH us
Come read, Relax, and hang out
Founded in 1826, the Institute Library is New Haven’s oldest independent membership library and one of the few remaining membership libraries in North America. Located in the heart of downtown New Haven, the Library offers quiet reading rooms, a unique circulating collection, exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and community programs in a welcoming historic setting. Whether you’re visiting for an event, exploring our collections, or considering membership, we invite you to stop in and discover one of New Haven’s hidden gems.
The mission of the Institute Library is to fulfill its historical purpose of “mutual assistance in the attainment of useful knowledge” for its members and the New Haven community at large through literature, civil discourse, and the arts.
Hours
Tuesday–Friday
11 am – 5 pm
Saturday
12 – 2 pm
Sunday & Monday
Closed
Holidays: We are closed on the following holidays: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day through the following weekend, and Christmas Eve through January 2nd.
Please check our Calendar for exhibition openings and closings, evening events, and other special events.
Location
Institute Library
847 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT 06510
Located between Church and Orange Streets in the historic Ninth Square, just half a block from the New Haven Green.
Parking & Transportation
Convenient public parking is available in nearby garages and at on-street metered spaces. The Library is within walking distance of downtown restaurants, theaters, museums, and Yale University. Visit the Park New Haven Guide.
Facilities
Quiet reading rooms
The Gallery Upstairs
A circulating collection of literature and nonfiction
A Vintage Vinyl Listening Room
Lectures, concerts, readings, and community programs
Free Wi-Fi throughout the Library
Member BENEFITS
While the Library is open to all, Members enjoy borrowing privileges, access to the Library’s collections and the opportunity to become part of a community of readers, writers, artists, and lifelong learners. Membership is open to everyone and begins at $30 yearly.
Accessibility
The Institute Library occupies the second and third floors of a historic 1878 building. As we care for and preserve this landmark, we are also working to improve accessibility wherever possible. Because of the building’s historic structure, some areas may not be fully accessible.
If you have questions about accessibility or would like assistance planning your visit, please contact us in advance. We are happy to discuss your needs and help make your visit as welcoming as possible.
RENTALS
The Institute Library is available to rent for meetings, receptions, lectures, book launches, film shoots, and other private gatherings.
CONTACT
Phone: (203) 562-4045
Email: eva@institutelibrary.org
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Get in Touch
Whether you have a question, an idea, or would like to learn more about the Institute Library, complete the form below and we’ll be in touch.
Located in the Ninth Square Historic District on Chapel between Church and State. We’re a half-block from the New Haven Green, on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Link to Parking Options in New Haven.