Reference Services
The Linda Hall Library is open to the public free of charge during regular Library hours. There is no charge for getting a library card.
- To sign up for a borrowing account (take materials out of the Library), you must be a resident of the Kansas City metropolitan area. You have to provide a current state or federal photo ID with a KC area street address (not a post office box).
- A photo ID plus utility bill in your name is needed if the current address differs from that on the photo ID.
Click here to create your Library account.
The Main Reading Room and study rooms are open to all visitors, patrons, and researchers. The 2nd floor is also open for public browsing.
The History of Science Collection is also open to the public during Library hours and appointments are required and can be requested here. We kindly ask that you submit your request at least 48 hours in advance of your preferred visit. If you have any questions regarding the History of Science Collection, you may email collections@lindahall.org.
Who Can Borrow
- Individuals living within the Kansas City metropolitan area as defined below:
- Missouri – Bates, Caldwell, Cass, Clay, Clinton, Jackson, Johnson, Lafayette, Platte, Ray
- Kansas – Douglas, Franklin, Johnson, Leavenworth, Linn, Miami, Wyandotte
- Established businesses within the KC metro area (see above counties). Contact Reference Services at 816.926.8701 or reference@lindahall.org for more information about authorized borrowing for businesses, or fill out our web application by clicking here.
- Students, faculty, and staff of participating Courtesy Card institutions. Contact Reference Services at 816.926.8701 or reference@lindahall.org for more information about the Courtesy Card Program.
If you wish to borrow from the Linda Hall Library but do not meet the above criteria, please contact your local public, academic, or corporate library and request to borrow through interlibrary loan from Document Delivery Services. Click here for more information regarding terms and conditions of your Library account
Reference Librarians
Need assistance accessing collections materials? The Library’s expert team of reference librarians can:
- Look up definitions, facts, formulas and other scientific or technical information.
- Help with the use of the catalog, databases, and indexes. You may wish to register for an in-person "Navigating Linda Hall Library" session. These sessions are offered weekly on Wednesdays from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
- Confirm the Library’s holdings.
- Provide bibliographic verification and assistance with citation identification.
- Explain procedures and policies for circulation and use of materials.
Have a specific inquiry for our reference librarians? Use this form or connect with us via:
- Phone: