MHS Library Appointment Request

Our library is open Monday, and Wednesday through Friday, from 10:00 AM to 4:45 PM, Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 7:45 PM, and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Due to a staffing shortage the library will closed on Saturdays in the month of August.  

All researchers are encouraged to request an appointment in advance of arriving at the MHS.  Researchers with confirmed appointments will be guaranteed a seat in the reading room on their appointment date. Walk in researchers will be accommodated if spots are available on the daily schedule.    

To protect the health of researchers and staff amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a well-fitted mask covering the nose and mouth must be worn at all times in the library. Researchers are also asked to monitor their health by asking themselves the following questions before visiting the MHS:

• Am I currently experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough that is not due to other known cause, chills, new loss of taste/smell, and/or difficulty breathing)?
• Have I recently had contact with anyone who has or is suspected of having COVID-19?
• Have I been advised to quarantine or self-isolate by a medical or public health professional?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, please postpone your visit.

The MHS staff continues to monitor the global public health situation. Our admissions policies may change to reflect changes in local, state, or federal guidance.  This could include restrictions on out of state travel, a reduction in the number of appointments available, and/or closure of the library. If the MHS library makes any changes in admissions policies in response to a change in the public health situation, all researchers with confirmed appointments will be notified immediately.  

All researchers must have a Portal1791 account and are encouraged to place their requests for materials through that system in advance of their visit.  If you do not have a Portal1791 account, you can create one here.  

For a single day visit, use only the first calendar. For multi-day visits, each calendar will allow you to select one date. You may select up to six dates. Dates may be consecutive or non-consecutive. If you require more than six days to complete your research please contact Reading Room Supervisor Rakashi Chand at rchand@masshist.org. 

All requests will be honored on a first requested first served basis. If all seats are filled by scheduled appointments on a particular day, the date will no longer be selectable in the calendar.  You may opt into a waitlist at the bottom of this form.  

A librarian will contact you to either confirm your visit dates or to work with you to find alternative dates if your desired dates are no longer available.  

If you do not receive an email from either an MHS staff member or through the JotForm system within 3 days of placing your request, please check you spam/junk folder and/or reach out directly to Rakashi Chand at rchand@masshist.org.