Overview

The Hoover Institution Library & Archives is located on the campus of Stanford University in Stanford, California. Its holdings are accessible in person via the main reading room, located in the Herbert Hoover Memorial Building, and viewable in rotating exhibitions in Hoover Tower. Our L&A in DC office provides free access to a selection of our digital collections not available online.

Please expect potential modifications to our hours of operation during the year as we may be impacted by staffing shortages or Stanford University, county, and state requirements in response to COVID-19.

Library & Archives Reading Rooms

The Hoover Institution Library & Archives supports a vibrant community of scholars interested in the meaning and role of history and is open to anyone. The collections, however, contain much that is rare, fragile, or covered under copyright, therefore the major part of Hoover Institution’s research resources are only accessible within the reading room at Stanford University. Access to select digital content is also available at the L&A in DC office. Registration and reservations are required.

 

 

Hoover Institution Library & Archives Reading Room

Main Reading Room

Herbert Hoover Memorial Building

434 Galvez Mall,
Stanford, CA 94305
Get Directions
Accessibility Directions

(650)723-3563
Hoover Institution Washington DC office

L&A in DC Office

Hoover Institution in Washington

1399 New York Ave NW #500
Washington, DC 20005

Get Directions

(202)760-3200

Hoover Tower

Hoover Tower is the historic home of the Library & Archives and the Lou Henry Hoover Observation Deck and Carillon. Visitors can view portions of the collection in the ground floor exhibition galleries and see the historic Belgian carillon on the 14th floor observation deck, which also offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The central floors of the tower contain offices and purpose built stacks which hold part of the Library & Archives collections, but are closed to the public.

 

 

Exhibition gallery in Hoover Tower with objects on display in wall case and vitrines

Exhibition Galleries

550 Jane Stanford Way,
Stanford, CA 94305
Get Directions
Accessibility Directions

(650)723-3563
The top of Hoover Tower

Observation Deck & Carillon

550 Jane Stanford Way,
Stanford, CA 94305
Get Directions
Accessibility Directions

(650)723-2053

Maps & Parking

Located on the campus of Stanford University, the Hoover Institution Library & Archives is situated southeast of the Stanford Oval and across Jane Stanford Way from the Memorial Auditorium. Visitors to Hoover Tower can view the exhibition galleries and a popular observation deck on the 14th floor. Next door is the Herbert Hoover Memorial Building, which houses the main reading room on the ground floor, as well as Stauffer Auditorium.

Hoover Visitor Map During Construction

Construction Alert

Due to the construction of the George P. Shultz building (former site of the Lou Henry Hoover Building), please refer to the access map which indicates the primary walking path to Hoover Tower and the Library & Archives reading room.

Visitor Parking

Parking enforcement hours for visitor and hourly parking is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with no enforcement on the weekends. Please read posted signs carefully as there are exceptions to these rules.

Payment for visitor parking is a contactless process by using ParkMobile's app or website or by text using your mobile phone.

Click on the link below to learn how to purchase visitor parking, look up parking rates, and find a parking zone closest to the location or attraction you would like to visit.

Stanford Visitor Parking/Rates/Zones
ADA map of Hoover campus, Stanford University

Accessibility Information

The Diversity and Access Office, in conjunction with the Maps and Records Department, has compiled the Stanford University Campus Access Guide. Their website contains information for a majority of on campus buildings, including those that house the Hoover Institution.

We encourage you to review their site as well as the ADA map of the area around Hoover Tower. To speak with someone about campus access information, please call (650) 725-0326.

Hours of Operation

Reading rooms are closed for Stanford University holidays.

Hoover Tower (exhibition galleries and observation deck) is open on Martin Luther King, Jr., Presidents', Memorial, and Labor Day holidays, and closed for other university holidays and campus winter closure (view holiday closures), as well as during Stanford home football games (view schedule).

HOURS OF OPERATION
DAYS HOURS LOCATION STATUS
Monday – Friday
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Library & Archives Main Reading Room

Before you begin your research visit, read more about our Reading Room.

Currently open to the public. Reservations are required for entry.

Monday – Friday
9 am – 12 pm,
1 pm – 5pm (EST)
Library & Archives in DC Office

The L&A in DC office provides three workstations to access select digital collections.

Currently open to the public. Please reserve a seat at least 1 week in advance.

Monday – Sunday
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Exhibition Galleries, Hoover Tower

Learn more about what's currently on display in our exhibition galleries.

Currently open to the public.
Monday – Sunday
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Observation Deck & Carillon, Hoover Tower

Named in memory of Lou Henry Hoover, former first lady of the United States.

For information on Carillon performances, visit the Stanford Events page.

Currently open to the public.

Tickets cost $5.

Stanford Affiliates are free with a valid Stanford ID.

Learn more

 

 

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