Library Hours

The Gale Family Library is open for in-person research

Thursday: 10am to 4pm 
Friday: 10am to 4pm 
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Library staff also assist researchers via phone, email, virtual viewings, and other distance services.

Upcoming Holiday Hours 

Thanksgiving Holiday:  CLOSED Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 from 10am to 4pm. We will be OPEN on Saturday, November 30 for our regular hours (10am to 4pm)
Christmas (Wednesday, December 25: CLOSED and no group visits scheduled
New Year's Day (Wednesday, January 1): CLOSED and no group visits scheduled

For same-day research

  • You can arrive anytime we are open on a given day. (Note: we do stop pulling materials from the stacks 30 minutes before we close.)
  • Stop at the Reference Desk for a table–open research stations and equipment are assigned on a first-come-first-served basis, so they cannot be guaranteed.
  • To request materials in advance or hold materials for another day, please make an appointment.

To make an appointment in advance

Use our online self-service system to make your own appointment up to 12 hours before the start time. Or call us and we can help (651-259-3300). 

Advantages of appointments

  • Items can be waiting at your table when you arrive!  
    • Use the link in your confirmation email to request up to 3 items in advance.
  • Save waiting time on your next visit by holding materials for a future date/time.
  • Guarantee a table/station in the research room of your choice
    • Reserve a specific type of microfilm machine (scanner, printer) or a dedicated computer-only station
  • Receive direct email communication in cases of unplanned closures like winter weather.  
  • Specify if you have particular needs for your workstation (near an electrical outlet, accessible table, number of chairs at your table)--we’ll do our best to accommodate
  • Help with library preparation by Indicating if you will be working with oversized materials, photographic negatives, institutional records, legislative research, etc.  

If you have a research emergency (e.g. an immediate court filing deadline) and cannot find a research time that will work for you, please call 651-259-3300. We will do our best to help you through either an in-person research visit or a distance option.

For more information please see

Have any questions or need assistance?  
We’re here to help!

Please contact us via:

See our research self-help page for quick answers to the most commonly asked questions.