Powell Library Visiting Guidelines

Welcome
The Powell Library is open to the public with the Museum’s visitor protocols.  Appointments are strongly encouraged: contact powell@mfah.org or 713.353.1542. Researchers also are encouraged to request materials in advance. If you visit without an appointment and all places are filled, you will need to wait until the next place becomes available.

Hours
Tuesday–Friday | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday | 12 noon to 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday and Monday

Access
Six visitors are allowed in the library for research at one time. Appointments are encouraged and can be made by emailing powell@mfah.org or calling the reference desk at 713.353.1542. The length of visits is unrestricted, but library staff has the discretion to limit duration in order to provide equitable access to everyone.

Library Display
Additional visitors may view the library display. Appointments are not needed to view the display.

Requesting Library Materials
Requesting materials in advance by emailing powell@mfah.org is recommended so that items will be available when the researcher arrives.

Reproduction of Library Materials
Copying is done by library staff. Copying fees have been suspended until further notice, but library staff may limit copies to what they deem to be a reasonable amount.

Food and Drink
The consumption of food and drink is prohibited. Water fountains are unavailable until further notice, but water is available for purchase at the front desk of the Kilroy Education and Visitor Center.Masks and Gloves
Face masks are recommended, and visitors are expected to wash their hands before using library computers or materials. Masks and gloves are provided as needed.

Cleaning
The housekeeping staff cleans the library every morning before opening, paying special attention to active touchpoints.