Using the Library

The National Zoological Park library is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30 except federal holidays. Visitors wishing to use the library must make an appointment with the librarian by calling 202.633.4771. Alternatively visitors can e-mail NZPLibrary@si.edu but must wait for a reply before visiting in person. Once an appointment has been made, library visitors must come to the information desk at the National Zoo visitors’ center and show a photo ID. The attendant will then call the librarian to confirm the appointment.

If visiting the library in person is not possible, users are directed to the list of freely available internet resources in zoos and zoology compiled by Smithsonian Institution Library staff which may be helpful. Many reference queries from the public can be handled by library staff through e-mail and telephone conversation, as well.

Books at the NZP library cannot be taken out except by Smithsonian staff. Visitors are requested to check their local school, university or public libraries. If materials are inadequate or unavailable, arrangements can be made through their library’s interlibrary loan office to borrow NZP library materials.