Classes in the library

Classes provide the opportunity to view Cooper Hewitt Library’s rare books and special collections up close with a presentation from our staff! We work with faculty and instructors in preparing single or multiple sessions on a wide range of topics across design, such as graphic design and illustration, industrial design, interiors, decoration, World’s Fairs, artists’ books, pop-up books and paper engineering, as well as topics customized to your group about the history of design, decorative arts, or architecture.  

Please contact us at least 2 weeks in advance for class requests: CooperHewittLibrary@si.edu. Classes are provided free of charge and offered during the Library’s open hours. Classes are held in the Arthur Ross Reading Room with a maximum capacity of 20 people.  

Materials & Handling

Typical selection lists from rare books and special collections feature about 20 items per class. Our team will work with you to make selections. Due to the nature of our collections and to ensure their safety, we may limit handling during the class for some items. Please review our reading room policies prior to your visit.  

Course-integrated Instruction & Research Workshops

Are you interested in assigning students to research rare books or special collections? We work with faculty and instructors to plan research assignments that involve rare books or special collections. Please contact us 2 to 3 weeks before the beginning of the semester to discuss options. 

We can also teach research methods in design history and related fields during a class visit or virtually via Zoom. Orientations can be tailored to students’ needs, covering topics such as searching for primary sources, navigating our general and rare book collections, and preparing a bibliography.