The printed collections of The New York Public Library could be said to begin in the Rare Book Division, with nearly 800 pieces of incunabula, ranging from the 1460 Catholicon to Schedel's Liber Chronicarum, and including De Bury's Philobiblon, Breydenbach's Peregrinatio in Terram sanctam, Holle's 1482 printing of Ptolemy's Cosmographia, and a number of editions of Sacro Bosco's Sphaera mundi. Works printed by Peter Schöffer, William Caxton, Günter Zainer, and Anton Koberger are represented, as are block books, indulgences, and even several examples of Asian printing, which predate the incunabular period. Learn more about this division.
About the Division
Visiting the Collection
Can researchers access the collection without an appointment?
Patrons are welcome to visit the reading room during opening hours to speak with a librarian in person about their research. However, advance notice is necessary to consult material. To request a research appointment, create a Special Collections Account, click on "Appointments → Make an Appointment," and follow the prompts—or email rarebooks@nypl.org.
Are virtual consultations available and are they required before making an onsite research appointment?
Researchers are welcome to book a virtual consultation with one of our librarians to discuss research needs via phone or video chat. However, this is not a requirement to book a research appointment.
Who can researchers contact with further questions?
Please email us at rarebooks@nypl.org with any additional queries.
Explore Subdivisions
George Arents Collection
Third Floor
12 PM–5 PM
Request a Class Visit
Our staff welcomes students and instructors to explore the collections and resources at our landmark 42nd Street building. We work with instructors to design sessions that use the Library’s remarkable collections to foster creative inquiry, cultivate critical thinking, and develop information literacy skills. Learn more.
Explore Subdivisions
Featured
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Digital Collections
Interact with digitized items from the Rare Book Division.
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From Our Blogs
Check out blogs from the expert librarians of the Rare Book Division.
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Items from Old New York
In this video, see a map, money, and liquor license from colonial New York City.
