Harvard-Radcliffe Schlesinger Library

This is a wonderfully pleasant research library, with a wonderfully pleasant, light-​filled, airy, and extremely quiet reading room. It’s one of those places where you actually can get serious work done, since it’s so quiet, light-​filled, airy, and quiet. (I love special collections libraries).
Schlesinger has an amazing collection of books on cookery and gastronomic history. One of those collections where, as you’re doing research and wondering, will I be able to get my hands on this?, and then you realize that of course Schlesinger has it. Sadly, that kind of negates the need for some cool ass research trip to various European libraries to consult rare manuscripts sometimes, but I suppose there’s something to be said for not having to fly to Europe to look at a book. When I need to look at a 18^th-​century manual on carving, this is my preferred stop!

Schlesinger is the Radcliffe Institute’s special collections library. It’s a great place for doing research and finding obscure manuscripts, but not the greatest if they just happen to be the only holder of a pop culture book you need for a paper. Books held here are non-​circulating, and must be used in the library reading room, which is pleasant enough, though limiting.
Unlike other Harvard libraries, Schlesinger does not do scan and deliver, so if you want copies of a book, you have to bring in a digital camera and take pictures yourself.
Because books are non-​circulating, all bags, computer and camera cases, and coats must be kept in a locker on the first floor of the library. Computers, cameras, paper, and pencils have to be carried up to the reading room separately. It’s kind of a pain, but understandable, and at least the staff is friendly and helpful and can keep books on hold of you need them over a period of time.
I won’t actively seek out books at Schlesinger, but it’s not a bad place to do work if you like somewhere quiet… they even provide ear plugs…