About the Library

The National Zoological Park Branch Library is one of 20 libraries in the Smithsonian Institution Libraries system. It supports the research, exhibition and public programs of the Smithsonian Institution (SI), as well as the specialized interests of the staff of the National Zoological Park (NZP) and members of the public.

The NZP Library houses a collection of more than 5,000 books and 185 serial titles on zoos and aquariums, animal behavior, husbandry, veterinary medicine, pathology, genetics, nutrition, wildlife conservation, biodiversity, and horticulture. Small book collections are also located at the Conservation & Research Center (Front Royal, VA) as well as in the Pathology and Animal Hospital building. Smithsonian National Zoological Park staff publications are kept in the library.

Additionally, the library has a special collection of publications from other zoos and aquariums such as animal collection inventories, annual reports, guidebooks and miscellaneous pamphlets. Many of these publications are over 100 years old and contain photographs and illustrations which offer a glimpse of zoos throughout history

The library is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30. The public is welcome to use the collection but should call (202.633.1030) to request an appointment and briefly explain their research needs.