About the Livingston Masonic Library

The Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library of Grand Lodge is one of the world's largest collections of books, artifacts, memorabilia and archival holdings relating to the subject of Freemasonry.  For over 150 years, the Library has pursued its mission to collect, study and preserve the Masonic heritage, focusing its efforts on the history and impact of Freemasonry in New York State.

History of the Livingston Masonic Library

The Masonic Library of the Grand Lodge (F&AM) of the State of New York was founded in the 1850s to house the books and records held by the Grand Lodge. The Library expanded in the late 19th century with the addition of the collection of Robert Morris, Masonic poet laureate, and continued to grow through donations and acquisitions of new books relating to Freemasonry. In 1935, the Library and the Grand Lodge Board of Antiquities were combined under the Board of General Activities, and the Library and Museum became a single entity, occupying space at Masonic Hall at 71 West 23rd Street in Manhattan. The Library served primarily as a reading room for Masons. Throughout the 20th century, the resources and services of the Library continued to expand under the guidance of Wendel K. Walker. The Library began to assume its role as a premiere center for Masonic research. This status was validated in 1983 with the achievement of a charter from the New York State Board of Regents as the Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library of Grand Lodge. The year 1996 saw a relocation of the Library to the 14th floor of Masonic Hall, where facilities were constructed to provide adequate environmental controls for the book and artifact collections.

Library Services

The Library is open for research to Masons and non-Masons. The Library staff is available to provide some assistance for on-site visitors. While the stacks are closed, the staff will assist researchers in using the card catalog, computer database catalog, and finding aids to access whatever information may assist in answering the patron's questions. Photocopies of Library material are available at a cost of $0.25 per copy.

The circulating book collection is composed of books published after 1920, of which the Library has at least two copies. One reference copy of each title is kept on the shelves at all times. Any New York State Master Mason in good standing with a lodge under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of New York may check out up to five books at a time for a period of three weeks.

Library Borrowing Policy and Procedures

Current Projects

The Library's catalog of books underwent retrospective conversion in the year 2001. We continue to refine our digitally-converted card catalog. The Trustees and Staff of the Library have formulated an ambitious Five Year Plan to digitally convert the artifact and manuscript collections, to be made available in progressive stages to Masonic and non-Masonic patrons across the world.  Both collections are now available on-line.

The Library's Utica Campus

The Utica Branch houses numerous artifacts relating to the history of Freemasonry with particular emphasis on Masonry in upstate New York. Tours and research at the Utica Branch are available by appointment by contacting RW Charles Haskin, at 315-798-4832.

Support the Library's Mission

Donations to assist the Library with its operating expenses and with ongoing projects may be made by New York Masons through the Masonic Brotherhood Fund, with donations earmarked to the Livingston Masonic Library and Museum. Interested members of the public may contact the director at 212-337-6620. All donations to the Library are tax deductible.

©2007, The Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library of Grand Lodge. This page last updated 4/12/2008.