Using the Library and Archives

Policies

The Longwood Gardens Library is open to Garden Passholders, continuing education students and the general public. You are encouraged and welcomed to use our collections in the library, or you may request to borrow an item from our collection through your local public library's interlibrary loan department.

The Longwood Gardens Archives are available by appointment only. Archives items are available to view at the discretion of the Archives Assistant - many may not be available due to age or fragility.  Archives materials are available for use in the archives facility and do not circulate.

Hours and Contact Information

The Longwood Gardens Library is open to Garden Passholders and the general public Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. We highly recommmend making an appointment for us to better serve you.

Call 610-388-5440, or email library@longwoodgardens.org to make an appointment.

The Longwood Gardens Archives are available by appointment only. Please call the Archives Assistant at 610-388-5261 to schedule an appointment.

Services

Reference

Library staff are available to answer questions and direct research. For preliminary research assistance, click here to find general research information, as well as guides to parts of our collections.

Photocopying

Self-service photocopies may be made of items in good condition from the Main collection for a fee of 5¢ per page.
The Longwood Gardens Library abides by the copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code).

Home Gardening Information

Home gardening information, as well as other horticultural resources, may be found by clicking here.
For answers to questions not on our website, we suggest that you contact your local Cooperative Extension to take advantage of their extensive resources.

Databases

While you're in the library you may use our available databases, including the Garden, Landscape & Horticulture Index and the Wildcatt Orchid Database.