Museum Library

The Museum library

Visit

The Library is located on the first floor of the Higgins Education Wing.

Hours

Thursday – Saturday, 12-4pm
Note: The Library will be closed May 19–20.

Contact

508.793.4382 or library@worcesterart.org

Collections

Library materials may be consulted on-site in our Reading Room. Museum staff, docents, studio art faculty, and members of the College of the Holy Cross community may borrow books from the library through our automated check-out system. Log-in to your library account.

The Library collection encompasses all periods and media of art in direct relation to the Museum's permanent collection and exhibitions.

Services

Please contact library@worcesterart.org for all scheduling requests and questions relating to library services.

These services can be modified for virtual environments.

Personal Research Sessions

An opportunity for a more in-depth consultation on how to tackle specific research problems, or assistance using specific library resources.

Class Visits

Arrange a time to visit the Library with your students to receive instruction on accessing and using the Library's print and digital collections, or receive instruction on general art research techniques and tools.

Library Tour and Orientation

If you're looking for a simple tour of the layout of the Library and an overview of our collections, this is the perfect fit for you! Group tours or individual orientations are welcome.

Inter-library Loan

For Museum staff, docents, and Education faculty, you may request materials from other libraries by sending citation information to library@worcesterart.org.

Worcester Academic Research Collaborative (ARC)

As a member of this collaborative, we share and receive access to collections and resources held by other member libraries. Email library@worcesterart.org to get an ARC borrowing card. Visit the ARC website to learn more and search member library catalogues.

Programs and Events

Story Times

Join us for a story, snack, and small craft in the Library reading room. The whole family is welcome! Check the Museum calendar to find an upcoming story time!

Reading Group

Join our interactive Reading Group for members and staff of the Worcester Art Museum! Each month, we will select one book (fiction or nonfiction) related to any aspect of visual arts to read and discuss together. Learn more about the WAM Members Reading Group

History

The Worcester Art Museum Library, founded in 1909, is dedicated to the study and enjoyment of the history of art by collecting resources in support of the Museum's mission, exhibitions, and permanent collections. The Library is managed in association with the College of the Holy Cross, a collaboration that began in 2001. The reading room is located in the original Sculpture Gallery of the Museum's 1898 building.

Drawing of a girl dressed in Victorian clothes relaxing and reading a book