Library Hours and Appointments
Gettysburg National Military Park (NMP) maintains a library of books and manuscripts relative to the American Civil War, the Gettysburg Campaign, dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery, and the development, interpretation, and administration of Gettysburg NMP. Library holdings include books, bound volumes, vertical files, manuscripts, limited photographs, maps, microfilm and audio-visual materials. Within our collection are a number of rare first edition regimental histories, campaign studies, and memoirs.
The Gettysburg NMP library is open to public researchers on a limited basis and by appointment only. Currently, the Gettysburg NMP Library is open to public researchers on Wednesdays only, with appointments open between 9:00 am.—12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.—4:00 p.m. To request an appointment during one of these times, please contact us.
NOTE: The Research Library will be closed on April 23, 2025, and May 28, 2025.
- Upon arrival at the Museum and Visitor Center, please inform security that you have a research appointment in the library. Please note that all bags, including laptop bags and backpacks, are subject to search.
- Please report to the Information Desk at the Museum and Visitor Center then sign in upon arriving in the Library Reading Room.
Laptop computers, digital cameras, notebook paper, and pencils are welcome but personal files and paper collections are not allowed without pre-arrangement with library staff. Please note that food and drink are prohibited in the Reading Room. All research must be done in the Reading Room. The Reading Room has a copy machine for the use of researchers that also has scanning capability. To reduce paper usage, we recommend that researchers bring a jump drive with them to save copies as pdf files on their individual drives.
Hours for use of the library are subject to change due to staffing requirements and availability is regularly updated on this page. Please note that the park library is closed on all Federal holidays.
Policy on Requests for Copies: Effective June 6, 1998, requests for copies of material from the library must be made in writing and are limited to six requests per individual per year, thirty (30) pages per request. Some materials may not be reproduced due to condition or restricted use outside of the park. Additionally, there are select items we recommend be obtained from the original source or repository. Gettysburg NMP reserves the right to refuse requests from parties outside of the National Park Service where conflict in copyright and ownership of materials may arise and requests for documents/files/collections beyond the limited amount noted above. Library staff is limited and replies will take time, so your patience is requested.
