The Auraria Library resumed limited in-person services. For additional information and updates, please visit the Auraria Library COVID-19 Updates and Library Hours pages.

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The Reading Room

The Rarebook Reading Room

The Special Collections Reading Room will be closed until further notice. If you have any Special Collections-related research questions, please contact specialcollections@ucdenver.edu and someone will respond within 48 hours Monday through Friday. Some materials are also available online in our Digital Collections.

The Auraria Library Special Collections Reading Room is a specialized space for viewing with rare and unique materials in our collections. Ample space and equipment is provided for interacting with everything from paper manuscript collections to photographs and rare books. Specialists in archives and local history are on-hand to answer any research questions you may have and assist you in the discovery of our amazing special collections.

The Special Collections' Reading Room

What's Here?

  • Very quiet, specialized research environment
  • Rare book and artifact displays
  • Expert archivists
  • An array of equipment used to handle rare books and manuscripts

Reading Room Guidelines

  • Reserved for use of Special Collections materials only
  • Food & drink-free area
  • Complete list of Reading Room guidelines

Find this Space

Use the New Interactive Floor Maps to view where the Reading Room is located in the Library.

Special and Digital Collections

The Auraria Library Special and Digital Collections encompasses collections of unique and special materials ranging from manuscripts to audiovisual objects. Various regions and cultures are represented by our collections, though we focus primarily on materials relating to the history of Auraria Campus and the neighborhood preceding it; Hispanic American and Asian American experiences in Colorado; and civic change and activism.

Special Collections

Special Collections at Auraria Library collect rare, unique, and fine press books on subjects including titles related to our Core Collecting Themes; art, architecture, and design; and literature of all genres and eras. With unique collections of culturally diverse materials the library aims to represent diversity in Auraria student population.

Ask Us Chat

Use this chat box to ask a librarian for research help. We’re available 24/7! (Holidays excluded.)

Text

Text us your questions to 720-438-4446. We’ll answer from 9 am to 6 pm during the week and reply to after hours questions the next morning. (Your provider rates will apply.)

In-Person

  • What Help is Available?
    Please visit our Auraria Library COVID-19 Updates for the latest updates about what services are currently available.

  • Visit the Ask Us Desk
    The Ask Us Service Desk is located on the first floor of the Library and provides in-person help by answering questions about the Library, Campus, or three Institutions. This service also loans anatomical items, technology items (such as phone charges and calculators), plus course reserves, or textbooks, for some classes. Please visit the Auraria Library COVID-19 Updates for information about when this service will be available.

  • Research Consultations
    Research consultations are for in-depth and lengthy discussions about research questions. Please use Schedule a Research Consultation Form to request an appointment. We can help you out via Zoom or over the phone. Due to the level of preparation needed, appointments should be made 48 hours in advance. If you need immediate help, please use our 24/7 chat service.

Call

For general library information, as well as for questions about borrowing, renewing, or returning library materials, call 303-315-7763.

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    Take a quick tour to learn about the research tools on this page.