Visit Special Collections

Special Collections Reading Room interior with tables

We are open to anyone who would like to explore our collections. Special Collections staff are available to answer questions during reading room hours. Please make an appointment to use our primary sources and historical materials in our reading room.

Reading Room Hours 
Monday - Friday9 am - 12 pm; 1 pm - 4 pm
Saturdays when classes are in session10 am - 1 pm

The Swarthmore College Libraries' Special Collections Reading Room is located within McCabe Library immediately to your left as you enter through the main doors of the library. See the Library Hours page for up to date, accurate information about a particular day's open hours. The Special Collections Reading Room's phone number is 610-690-3386.

Planning for your visit

The climate control in the library can be extreme, especially in summer (when it can be freezing inside!) Researchers are advised to dress in layers and include a warm jacket or sweater.

We allow photography of most materials, so you may wish to bring a digital camera or use your cell phone camera.

Swarthmore College encourages persons with disabilities to visit our spaces. If you have any accessibility or mobility needs for accommodations, please let us know.

Campus Maps

Use this page from the Swarthmore College website to find an interactive campus map, a printable map [PDF], and online campus tours, including a page devoted to the Libraries.

Driving Directions

While the College does not provide Library and Special Collections specific information once you've arrived on campus, the Driving Directions are useful.

Public Transportation

Learn about the options from train stations, the airport and other options here.

Local Lodging

Explore the many lodging options here. Visitors to Friends Historical Library may be especially interested in knowing about staying at Pendle Hill, a Quaker Retreat Center a five minute drive from campus.

Local Dining

The most convenient option is the campus Dining Center, which includes a full service dining hall while classes are in session, and "Essie's Corner" snack bar year round. Essie's offers made-to-order sandwiches and grain bowls, plus a selection of snacks and prepared items. (Note that the two coffee bars on campus, in Kohlberg and Science Center, are keycard-access only, limited to the campus community.)

There are also numerous dining options in the Swarthmore town center near the train station, less than a 10-minute walk away. 

Parking

The Visitor Parking information on the Swarthmore College website outlines several options. It will help to know that McCabe Library is located directly adjacent to the Scott Arboretum, and so following directions to that location will get you very close to Special Collections. Additionally, there are several accessible parking spaces available very near the Library and beside the Rose Garden.