Using the Minnesota Historical Society Library: Visiting the Library

All researchers must register upon their first visit to the MNHS Library.

To register and receive a permanent Library Registration Card, researchers must present valid photo identification with proof of current home address.
Acceptable photo identification includes:

• Driver’s license
• Passport
• School identification card
• State identification card
• MNHS staff identification card

Receiving and using a Library Registration Card signifies that the researcher has read the “Welcome to the Minnesota Historical Society Library” guide and agrees to abide by its policies.

All researchers must show their Library Registration Card at every visit.

Because the MNHS library holds original, fragile, irreplaceable documents and collections there are some rules in place to ensure preservation and protection of the collection. 

Items allowed in the library: 

• Laptop computers and tablets
  WiFi access is available in both library rooms.
   
• Cameras
  Camera use is allowed under certain guidelines. Please ask the staff for a "Camera Use Policy" handout.

Items prohibited in the library:

• Coats and other outerwear
  Free lockers are available to store outerwear. 
   
• All briefcases, book bags, laptop carriers, handbags/purses, and other personal belongings 
  These items must be left in the locker room. Clear plastic bags are available if you need to bring in computer/camera supplies, money for photocopying, etc.
   
• Cell phone calls
  All cell phone calls must be placed and/or received in the library lobby.
   
• Food or beverages (including water)  
   
• Ink pens or markers 
  Pencils and scratch paper are available for researcher use.
   
• Personal copiers and scanners
   
• No downloading is allowed from MNHS computers
  Including using outside storage devices such as flash drives, etc.

Any person found stealing, defacing, mutilating, or in any way damaging materials will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

In the event of an emergency, patrons are expected to follow all staff instructions including evacuating the reading rooms when asked to do so. Failure to respond to staff instructions may result in loss of MNHS library privileges.

We welcome visits by classes of students from middle school through college and graduate school. To make your visit pleasant and productive, the Library staff have developed the class visit procedures.