Membership Libraries

A membership agreement for new subscribers to the New York Society Library in 1789.

A membership agreement for new subscribers to the New York Society Library in 1789.

Membership Libraries

Membership libraries trace their history in America to the 18th century, when Benjamin Franklin founded the Library Company of Philadelphia. These libraries played a significant role in their communities. While most subscription libraries were replaced or taken over with the advent of free public libraries in the 19th century, several have survived and thrived.

More information about our sister institutions is available in the 2007 book America's Membership Libraries.

Reciprocal Privileges

Active members of the New York Society Library have reciprocal privileges at the membership libraries listed below (exceptions are marked with an asterisk.) Members may make a maximum of five visits to each library per year. Specific privileges at each library vary, so members should check the institution’s website for details. Members should present their NYSL membership card when visiting, but note that the libraries will call us to verify the membership is active.

Eligible members of the institutions listed below are welcome to visit the New York Society Library. Privileges at the New York Society Library include use of our members only reading and writing rooms (with the exception of private study rooms) and access to the open stacks.

The Membership Libraries

The Library Company of Philadelphia* (1731)

1314 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
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Redwood Library and Athenaeum (1747)

50 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
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The Charleston Library Society (1748)

164 King Street, Charleston, SC 29401
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The Providence Athenaeum (1753)

251 Benefit Street, Providence, RI 02903
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The New York Society Library (1754)

53 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075
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The Boston Athenaeum (1807)

10½ Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108
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The Salem Athenaeum (1810)

337 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970
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The Athenaeum of Philadelphia (1814)

219 South Sixth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
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The Portsmouth Athenaeum (1817)

9 Market Square, Portsmouth, NH 03801
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The General Society Library of New York City* (1820)

20 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036
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Mechanics' Hall Library (founded by the Maine Charitable Mechanic Association) (1820)

519 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
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The Center for Fiction (Founded as the Mercantile Library) (1820)

15 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
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The Institute Library of New Haven (1826)

847 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06510
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The Mercantile Library of Cincinnati (1835)

414 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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The St. Louis Mercantile Library Association* (1846)

8001 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63121
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The Mechanics' Institute Library of San Francisco (1855)

57 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94104
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Lanier Library Association (1890)

72 Chestnut Street, Tryon, NC 28782

The Athenaeum Music and Arts Library in La Jolla (1899)

1008 Wall Street, La Jolla, CA 92037
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Folio: The Seattle Athenaeum (2014)

93 Pike St. #307, Seattle, WA 98101
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