Library

Visitors and researchers of all ages can visit the Museum’s library to access its many public resources. The Library collections encompass all periods and media of art in direct relation to the Museum’s permanent collection and exhibitions. The Library is managed in association with The College of the Holy Cross. It is the largest collection of art historical resources in Central Massachusetts.

Borrow

Museum staff, docents, studio class faculty, and members of the College of the Holy Cross community may borrow books.

Services

Please contact library@worcesterart.org for all scheduling requests and questions relating to library services.

These services can be modified for online environments.

Personal research sessions

An opportunity to work one-on-one with a librarian for a more in-depth consultation on how to tackle specific research problems, or assistance using specific library resources

Class visits

Educators can arrange a time to visit the library with students to receive instruction on using the library’s print and digital collections and general art research techniques and tools. Advance scheduling is required, please email library@worcesterart.org.

Library tour and orientation

Get to know the library with a simple tour of its layout and an overview of its collections. Individual orientations or group tours are welcome, advance scheduling required contact library@worcesterart.org.

Inter-library loan

Worcester Art Museum staff, docents, and studio class faculty may request materials from other libraries by sending citation information to library@worcesterart.org.

Worcester Academic Research Collaborative (ARC)

As a member of this collaborative, the Worcester Art Museum’s library contributes and receives access to collections and resources held by other member libraries. Email library@worcesterart.org to get an ARC borrowing card. Visit the ARC website to learn more and search member library catalogues.

Programs and events

Reading Group

Join our interactive Reading Group and explore new aspects of the arts! We will select one book at a time (fiction or nonfiction) related to an aspect of the visual arts to read and discuss together.

Reading James Joyce’s Ulysses

Journey through James Joyce’s Ulysses in an immersive reading experience across monthly sessions, and explore the characters, themes, and experiences of the novel through the lens of the Worcester Art Museum’s collection.

Story times

Join us for a story, snack, and small craft in the library reading room. The whole family is welcome! Check the Museum calendar to find an upcoming story time!

The Worcester Art Museum Library is managed in partnership with the College of the Holy Cross with additional support provided by the S.N. Behrman Library Fund, Karl L. and Dorothy M. Briel Library Fund, Frank F. Dresser Fund, Barrett and Mahroo Morgan Fund at the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, and Romanoff Education and Library Fund. The Museum is also grateful to our generous Library volunteers who provide hundreds of hours of work each year.