Founded in 1820, The General Society Library is the second-oldest library in New York City. It serves the educational programs of The General Society. It also makes its extensive collections available to other institutions and scholarly researchers by appointment. The book and periodical collections of the Library span two centuries. Its archives date back to 1785, when the institution of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York was founded.

Please note that the Library is not open to the general public, apart from evening lectures, for which there is a modest charge. There is no access for the public to the reading room, nor does the Library operate as a circulating library.

The General Society Library maintains a cultural and educational resource center for those in manual, technical, craft and creative occupations. The resources of the Library are available for archival research purposes. Please address your research inquiries and appointment requests to info@generalsociety.org.

The Library space is host to our 187-year old lecture series. The Labor, Literature and Landmarks Series continues a tradition of public lectures that started at the Society in 1837. The Series brings people of diverse interests from the entire New York area into our Library space. Also hosted in the Library is the Artisan Lecture Series, now in its fourteenth season, which pays tribute to the art of craftsmanship by featuring master artisans who lecture about the intricacies of their specialized crafts. The Artisan Lecture Series promotes the work and art of skilled craftsmen to assist in ensuring their unique knowledge is understood and carried forth for future generations.

Please consider supporting our organization as a “Friend of The General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen.”

Please note that membership benefits include discounts to our lectures and that being a “Friend of the GSMT” does not include access to the Library or it’s resources, unless related to professional archival research purposes.