The Library has six individual study rooms available to members for writing and laptop use on the Fifth Floor. If you are interested in reserving one of these rooms, please read the Individual Study Room Rules. Reservations can be made at the Circulation Desk or by telephone at 212-288-6900 x200.

Individual Study Rooms Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I reserve a room?
• How many reservations can I make?
• How quickly will a space be open for me to reserve?
• Is there any restriction on the amount of time I may reserve?
• I'm running late. How long will you hold the room?
• Something came up. May I change my reservation?
• If I just show up without a reservation, may I use a room if one is available?
• I need to interview someone. May we conduct the interview in one of the rooms?
• If I keep the door closed, may I use my cell phone to make a call?
• May my child use the rooms?
• Are the rooms wheelchair-accessible?

How do I reserve a room?

Any Library member, age 18 or older, is welcome to reserve time in one of the study rooms. Simply call the Circulation Desk at 212-288-6900 x200 or stop by on your next visit.

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How many reservations can I make?

Any Library member is welcome to hold 5 reservations at one time. We ask that you wait a week after your fifth reservation before you make another set.

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How quickly will a space be open for me to reserve?

The rooms are very popular with our members. The first available space will be approximately two weeks from the time you are reserving, particularly if you are trying to reserve on a weekday. We might have space available sooner if you are interested in time on the weekends. You may book a reservation up to 6 weeks in advance.

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Is there any restriction on the amount of time I may reserve?

You may reserve a study room for the entire day or just an hour or two. It's up to you.

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I'm running late. How long will you hold the room?

We will hold your reservation for 30 minutes but no longer. After 30 minutes, we offer it to the first person who asks for it at the Circulation Desk.

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Something came up. May I change my reservation?

Reservations may be changed until closing time of the night before. On the day of your reservation, you cannot change it or reschedule it.

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If I just show up without a reservation, may I use a room if one is available?

You may. Occasionally, space in a room opens up due to cancelation or no-show. In these instances, the first person standing at the Circulation Desk to ask for the room will get it for the day.

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I need to interview someone. May we conduct the interview in one of the rooms?

The study rooms are for individual use only. You may not have more than one person in the room at any time.

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If I keep the door closed, may I use my cell phone to make a call?

Cell phone use is prohibited throughout the Library. Should you need to make a telephone call, we ask that you step outside.

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May my child use the rooms?

You must be 18 years or older to use the study rooms. If your child is under the age of 18, he or she may not use the study rooms.

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Are the rooms wheelchair-accessible?

Two of the six rooms were designed to accommodate a wheelchair. Should you require one of the wheelchair-accessible rooms, please alert the person at the Circulation Desk who is taking your reservation. We will be happy to accommodate you.

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