The Othmer Library

Preparing for Your Visit

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your visit to the Othmer Library:

• You will be asked to check your coats and bags. We have small cubbies available to store personal items.
• You can use pencils, notepads, laptops, or tablets during your research at CBH.
• You must leave pens, food, drink, and gum in your checked bag.
• It is cold in our library, so bring an extra layer to keep warm!
• Free Wi-Fi is available. There are a limited number of electrical outlets in the reading room.

Making an Appointment

We strive to accommodate every patron. Research appointments are encouraged to facilitate a seamless research experience. Patrons can request an appointment by emailing CBHReference@bklynlibrary.org. 
Please include a description of what you're interested in researching or the collection name, call number and, if applicable, box numbers. You will receive an email confirmation once you are scheduled. 
Several collections are stored offsite and require a minimum of two weeks notice to use. Click here to view the full list. 
Patrons are encouraged to take advantage of our digital resources by visiting the remote research guide.

Cameras in the Reading Room

CBH allows photography of collection materials for research purposes.

• Hand-held, still photography cameras and cell phone cameras only.
• Flash and other personal light sources are not permitted.
• Tripods, chairs, stools, ladders, or similar devices are not permitted.
• Manuscripts, maps, broadsides, and other single sheets must be kept flat on the table while being photographed.
• Books, bound manuscripts, and other bound materials must be photographed while in a cradle.
• Please respect the privacy of other researchers and visitors, and do not include them in your photographs.
• Photoshoots are not permitted.

Explore our Resources

Search our Collections

The Center for Brooklyn History makes its collections available to all researchers. Browse our books, photographs, oral histories, maps collections and more.

Research Help

Interested in Archival research? Need a hand with your project? Have a question about our collections? Submit a research request form and a librarian will contact you.

Interested in a Class Visit?

For undergraduate and graduate level class visits, email us. For K-12 instructors, please check out Education at CBH.

Reproduction Requests

Learn more information about rights and reproductions.