Visit and Use the Collections

Prepare for your visit

We are open to researchers only by appointment. Some of our materials may need to be requested in advance in order to be retrieved and prepared for use. Before you visit, to make the most of your time on-site, search our collections to identify what you would like to see. Contact us for assistance; we're happy to discuss your research and help you prepare. 

Getting here

We are located on the lower level of Alexander Library, 169 College Avenue, New Brunswick. Most of our material is stored on-site, but some collections are stored off-site, and require two business days advance notice. Contact us to make arrangements.

Parking

The closest metered parking in the vicinity of Alexander Library is available on Senior Street, adjacent to the College Avenue Gym (left). Parking is not available in university lots near the library (where parking is by university permit only), nor is it available on nearby residential streets (where parking is by city permit only).

Parking in Buccleuch Park, which is located near Alexander Library, is permitted by the city, but all signs regulating parking there should be strictly observed. Public parking is also available in the Gateway Garage, next to the New Brunswick Train Station. Visitors to the University can park in Lot 48 on Busch Campus across from the Visitors Center between the hours of 8am-2am at no cost. Visitors are defined by the University as persons not affiliated with Rutgers University.

The Rutgers Department of Transportation Services outlines more options for area parking.

Getting here by train

New Jersey Transit's Northeast Corridor train line, which runs between New York City and Trenton, stops at New Brunswick. Schedule and fare information can be found on the NJ Transit website. The library is a 15-20  minute walk from the station. Taxis are available on either side of the station. During the academic year you may use a campus shuttle to the Rutgers Student Center.

Restaurants and Lodging

Nearby options for lunch include a street level restaurant (Panera Bread) and a basement level foodcourt in the Rutgers Student Center on College Avenue, which is within easy walking distance of Alexander Library. The Yard at College Avenue, at the corner of College Avenue and Hamilton Street, is about a ten-minute walk from Alexander Library. There are two casual restaurants located just off-campus on Sicard Street, behind the College Avenue Gym and Student Center.

For out-of-town visitors, a variety of lodging options are available along major highways in the vicinity of New Brunswick, including at exits off of Interstate 287 and along Route 1 and Route 18. The commercial lodging options in New Brunswick are the Hyatt Regency Hotel, which is about a twenty minute walk from the Alexander Library, and The Heldrich, in the center of downtown New Brunswick. Another alternative in New Brunswick is the Rutgers-operated University Inn and Conference Center. This facility is located on the other side of New Brunswick from Alexander Library and is served by the (free) intercampus bus system.