Schomburg Center

 

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture located in Harlem, New York is a research unit of The New York Public Library system. It is recognized as one of the leading institutions focusing exclusively on African-American, African Diaspora, and African experiences. Begun with the collections of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg more than 85 years ago, the Schomburg has collected, preserved, and provided access to materials documenting black life—in America and worldwide. It has also promoted the study and interpretation of the history and culture of peoples of African descent. Today, the Schomburg continues to serve the community not just as a center and a library, but also as a space that encourages lifelong education and exploration.



The Schomburg Center consists of three connected buildings: The Schomburg Building, the Langston Hughes Building and the Landmark Building.

Note regarding accessibility:
There is an electric door switch at the front door.  All parts of the collections and the public restrooms are accessible to persons using wheelchairs. Programs and events at the Langston Hughes Auditorium and Atrium are accessible for people using wheelchairs. The American Negro Theater and the Gift Shop are also wheelchair-accessible.

Free programs and exhibitions — download the current issue of NOW in pdf format

History

The Schomburg Center Today

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of the world's leading research facilities devoted to the preservation of materials on the global African and African diasporan experiences. A focal point of Harlem's cultural life, the Center also functions as the national research library in the field, providing free access to its wide-ranging noncirculating collections. It also sponsors programs and events that illuminate and illustrate the richness of black history and culture.

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