The Athenaeum of Philadelphia reopens our doors to members and patrons on
Tuesday, September 8, 2020!

We ask anyone coming by the Athenaeum to:
  • wear a mask
  • practice social distancing.
  • limit the length of your visits
  • stay home if you are not feeling well or have had possible exposure to COVID19
  • not bring food or drinks into the building

Library Services
Mon-Thurs 10:00am-4:00pm
Athenaeum Members may now browse for books upstairs in the library. Books can be requested by emailing Jill Lee. New releases can be found here. Full catalog can be found here. If you still wish to have contactless services, we will continue offering vestibule pick up and drop off.

All returned items will be put into a 72-hour quarantine. UPenn deliveries may take up to two weeks.

We continue to order eBooks.

Work/Study Space Use
Mon-Thurs 10:00am-4:00pm
Reservation Needed
Athenaeum members who would like to use one of our tables for study or work may do so by appointment only. We are limiting the number of people at a table or in a room to maintain social distancing and room capacity requirements. You may reserve a space by contacting Tess Galen.


Research Services
Tuesdays 10:00am-2:00pm
By Appointment Only
Starting September 15
Research visits will recommence on Tuesday, September 15, 2020. All visits will be by appointment only. Please contact Bruce Laverty at least one week in advance to schedule your visit. To ensure the safety of staff and patrons, only one researcher will be admitted at a time, with exceptions for members of the same household.


RDIC Services
Mon-Thurs 10:00am-4:00pm
By Appointment Only
To schedule a scanning or printing service appointment, please contact Jim Carroll or Mike Seneca. Staff will provide you with further information when you schedule your appointment.


Online Speaker Series
Starts September 3
Our popular speaker series continues online this fall. You can find the full list of events and links to register on our website.

We regret our inability to host small groups, meetings, or classes for the duration of the COVID19 pandemic. We are aiming to bring as much of those programs as possible to you using Zoom.

For Zoom or registration help contact Tess Galen.

Complete opening guidelines can be found here.

We are looking forward to seeing you again soon at 219 S. Sixth Street or on one of our virtual programs!

With appreciation for your support,

The Athenaeum Staff 
*Beth *Tess *Gabrielle
*Bruce *Denise *Lou
*Jill *Mike *Lois *Jim