Minnesota Historical Society
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Library Hours

The Gale Family Library is open for in-person research:

 

Thursday 10am to 4pm*

Friday 10am to 4pm

Saturday 10am to 4pm

*Beginning Thursday, February 16, the Library will be open Thursday mornings!

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

 

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 24 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.