Ringling Museum Library

What is commonly known as The Ringling Museum Library is somewhat off the beaten path of The Ringling, doesn’t even have a sign indicating it to be The Ringling Museum Library. Instead, the name on it states «Johnson — Blalock Educational Center» and it is located within a Florida State University building which also serves as the administrative center for The Ringling.
It isn’t the normal type of library that one ordinarily thinks of as being a library. You don’t check books in and out, it doesn’t contain books or periodicals common to most libraries, and it has rather weird hours of operation like only being open from 1:00 PM to 5:00 o’clock PM, then only on certain days of the week. Before visiting, it’s best to get the hours of operation in advance by phoning (941) 359−5700×1−2700.
What this library is and what sets it apart from what is ordinarily thought of as being a library is that it is a research library. The cornerstone of its creation stems from John Ringling’s personal book collection containing many of his books but having been greatly expanded upon to what is now a fabulous collection of books, folios, even rare hand colored plates along with new up to date titles and information which now comprises one of the most comprehensive art research libraries in the United States.
The library area of the building is new and stunningly beautiful with desk work areas well lighted and simplistically but beautifully decorated. Better yet, the staff is knowledgeable, dedicated and most helpful in every way. If you’re doing art research, you can hardly find a better place with more resources than this. So, for an art research library, I’m rating it Five Stars.