Library and Archives

Wednesday: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Other times by appointment
Closed August–Labor Day

Reference desk: 817.989.5040
E-mail: library [at] cartermuseum [dot] org
Library catalog: library.tcu.edu/cdlccat and worldcat.org

Library Overview

Conceived as a key resource for supporting the museum’s educational and research mission, the library opened in 1961 and has since grown to become one of the nation’s premier centers for the advanced study of American art, photography, and history.

The library’s research collections, numbering over 100,000 items, offer a range of interdisciplinary materials covering the early nineteenth century through the present day. The collections emphasize the museum’s art collecting and exhibition program, with particular strengths in the art of the American West and the history of North American western expansion.

Learn more about the library’s collections.

Reading Room Services and Guidelines

• A librarian is available at the reading room reference desk during public hours to assist you.
• A photocopier is available for onsite researchers for the cost of fifteen cents per page. Microform copies cost thirty-five cents per page. Computer printouts cost fifteen cents per page.
• Two computers are available for public use; free public Wi-Fi also available.
• Bags 11-by-15 inches or larger must be checked at security.
• Library and archives material may not be checked out.
• Museum staff is not permitted to give monetary appraisals or opinions on works of art.