RBML Onsite Visit Procedures
Researchers are strongly encouraged to request digital delivery of materials if that would serve their purposes. This is a free service for members of the Illinois campus community.
RBML is open to the public, M-F, 9am-5pm. If you would like an appointment, please use our Ask-a-Curator form to request one.
Registration and Use
Before using library materials, all readers must create a User Account. This account allows readers to request materials and services through the online catalog and to keep an online record of all transactions. Users will be asked to update their registration information every year. Upon arrival at RBML, visitors are required to check in at the Public Services Desk and to present valid government-issued photographic identification. Please note that registration is NOT required to view the library’s exhibits, or to attend library-sponsored public events.
To complete your registration, please create an online User Account and read our user policies and procedures.
If you wish to consult with a curator before your arrival, please contact them at Ask a Curator.
Directions and Parking
The Rare Book & Manuscript Library is located on the third floor (Room 346) on the north side of the Main Library at 1408 W. Gregory Drive in Urbana, Illinois. There is a metered parking lot with an entrance off 6th Street between Armory Avenue and Gregory Drive, as well as metered street parking.
Rare Book & Manuscript Library
346 Library, MC-522
1408 West Gregory Drive
Urbana, IL 61801
Click here for detailed directions to our campus.
Click here for maps of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Campus.
Hours
The Rare Book & Manuscript Library is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Main Library stacks and information desk are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please visit the University Library website for information on general and departmental library hours.
The library is closed on University of Illinois holidays. These include Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, the day after Christmas, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and Memorial Day. Other closure dates will be announced in advance. Due to space constraints, Reading Room hours may be curtailed during occasional public programs.
Using the Bus
Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District runs several bus lines through campus and connect to transportation hubs in Urbana and Champaign. Several bus lines have stops at or near the Main Library building, including the Silver, Blue, Brown, Yellow, and Bronze routes to the north entrance bus stop at Armory and Wright; Green Express and Gold routes the south entrance bus stop at Gregory at Library. Check the CUMTD website to plan your trip and view any schedule changes or interruptions due to construction.
Further Information
Office: (217) 333-3777
Fax: (217) 244-1755
Email: askacurator@library.Illinois.edu