The Academy Library, founded in 1853, is a research library devoted to natural history and the natural sciences. Our subject strengths include Systematics and Taxonomy, Evolutionary Biology, Biodiversity, Biogeography, Local and Regional Natural Sciences, and Natural History. Our varied collections include books, journals (in print and online), photographs, slides, digital images, maps, primary source materials, and other media.
Our mission is to facilitate access to scientific information and Academy history, to research the interconnectivity of information, and to seek out new ways of providing access to resources and records.
Our collections include the Research, Reference, Rare Books, and Serials sections, as well as Map Collections and the Archives—home to materials related to the history of the Academy itself. And that's just for starters.
Library collections are curated and maintained by Academy librarians in close consultation with museum curators. We're available by appointment to Academy staff, members, educators, students, and volunteers, and the community at large.
From databases of our own holdings—including the expansive Academy Library catalog—to partnerships such as The Online Archive of California (OAC) and Manzanita Image Project, we offer countless ways to access hundreds of years of natural-science history.
Academy Library and Archives
California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
Can I borrow a book? How do I volunteer? Who can use the library? Click below for answers to these and other frequently asked questions.
Proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of a scheduled museum visit is now required for all Academy guests ages 12+, along with photo ID for guests ages 18+. Masks are required indoors for all guests ages 2+. Thank you for your understanding and support—and for helping to keep our community safe.