Out of the Stacks: Historical Medical Library Spring Open House 

The Historical Medical Library is stepping “Out of the Stacks” and into Ashhurst Hall for our Spring Open House event on Thursday, April 16!

Join us to meet the team, explore fascinating collections materials hand-picked by staff, and discover what makes the Historical Medical Library one of the world's premier research collections in the history of medicine.

Many special collections libraries, like ours, have “closed stacks,” where only library staff can search the shelves and pull material for use. Our stacks span seven floors and feature a collection of nearly half a million rare books, scientific journals, letters and manuscripts, incunabula, and more. This event will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about the breadth of the collection.

Light refreshments will be provided, and attendees can make their own bound booklets, a popular craft from our January Meet & Geek: The Art of The Book, to take home as a memento.

Guests will also have the opportunity to support the Historical Medical Library and our Library Preservation Fund by “adopting a book” or making an individual donation. With adoption, you’ll receive a limited-edition keepsake and a note in our catalog record acknowledging your support. Celebrate a milestone or leave a legacy for a loved one, while ensuring the Library’s mission endures.

About The Library:

Our Historical Medical Library was established in 1788 and served as Philadelphia's central medical library for over 150 years, supporting its medical schools, hospitals, physicians, and other health professionals. Today, it is the oldest independent library in the United States dedicated to the history of medicine and the medical humanities, serving scholars, health professionals, students, and popular writers each year.

 

Please note: By entering the event premises, you consent to photography, audio recording, video recording and its release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, promotional purposes, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by The College of Physicians/The Mütter Museum and its affiliates and representatives. 

If you have questions or concerns, please contact events@collegeofphysicians.org.