Inside the Reading Room: What to Know Before You Visit 

The McCracken Research Library has a reading room that is open to the public, meaning it’s for everyone, not just academics. The reading room is a welcoming space where visitors can browse selected books, view archival collections, chat with staff, or even take a quiet moment to process what they’ve seen in the museum galleries. 

The McCracken is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of the American West through our diverse book and archival collections. We work with curators, scholars, students, writers, filmmakers, and community members to explore the many complexities of western history. 

The West has been imagined in countless ways, and we encourage new research and fresh perspectives that help bridge the space between myth and history. That research often comes to life in our reading room. 

Before you visit and begin your research journey, there are a few things to know. 

Before You Arrive 

While the Center of the West has fluctuating hours throughout the year, the McCracken Research Library is open Monday through Friday from 9:00–12:00 and 1:00–4:30, year-round, with the exception of major holidays. 

Before visiting the library for in-depth research, we recommend checking our online collections catalogs to learn more about what materials may support your project. Having even a general idea of what you’d like to explore goes a long way. 

Once you’ve identified materials you’d like to view, schedule an appointment with our Reference Assistant, Nathan Bender, via email or phone at (307) 578-4136. When making your appointment, be sure to request the materials you’d like to see. 

What to Bring 

Visitors are encouraged to bring pencils, notebooks or laptops, and other note-taking devices. Phones or cameras may be used for reference photos, and layers are always a good idea—the reading room can be a bit chilly. 

While large bags, food, and drinks are not permitted in the reading room, lockers are available to store personal items during your visit. 

Reading Room Policies 

Our reading room policies are in place to protect and preserve our archival and book collections while ensuring equitable access for all researchers. 

When you enter the reading room, you’ll be asked to sign a sign-in sheet with your name, contact information, and research topic. This helps us track visitor numbers and understand the topics most frequently researched. If you plan to visit for an extended research period, you may also be asked to complete a researcher registration form, which helps us keep track of ongoing projects and materials used. 

To help protect the collections, food and drinks are not permitted in the reading room, and only pencils may be used for note-taking. 

Archival materials should always be handled carefully and using proper techniques. The Reference Assistant will explain any special handling requirements—for example, when gloves should be used for photographs but not for delicate paper materials. As a general rule, hands should be clean and dry before handling archival documents. 

When working with archival collections, please pull and handle only one folder at a time to ensure the original order of the collection remains intact. Materials should be kept flat on the table, and notes should never be written on top of archival items, as this can cause serious damage. 

When in doubt, ask! A staff member will always be present in the reading room and is happy to answer questions about procedures, policies, or the collections themselves. 

You’re Ready to Get Started 

Now that you know the processes and policies of the reading room, you’re ready for your visit! 

The McCracken Research Library is here to help you explore the rich history of the American West, and we encourage you to make the most of our collections—both online and in person. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions, need guidance, or want to learn more about any of our materials. Whether you’re a student, writer, filmmaker, or lifelong researcher, our staff are always happy to help you connect with the resources you need and support you on your research journey.   

Curious what the McCracken Research Library has in our archives? You can browse our finding guides here or check out our digital collections here.   

Have any questions? You can email the archivist at [email protected], or our Reference Assistant, Nathan Bender, at [email protected].