Adelson Library

Closed during the Visitor Center renovation.

Cornell Lab staff can request books for pickup at Adelson, but all other library patrons should direct requests to an alternate Cornell University Library.

Borrowed materials may be returned to most Cornell libraries during our closure. View a full list of book-drop locations.

Phone: 607-254-2165
Email: adelson_lib@cornell.edu

Search the entire Cornell University Library catalog or narrow your search to Adelson Library holdings.

As a branch of the Cornell University Library system, Adelson Library contains a rich array of historical and contemporary ornithological books, monographs and journals. Housed within the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Visitor Center, the library serves staff, faculty, students, and the general public.

Borrowing Privileges

When we reopen to the public in Spring 2024, any person may visit the Adelson Library and use materials, databases and resources onsite. Staff, faculty, and students may borrow materials using their Cornell ID, and may have materials delivered to and from other university libraries.

New York state residents, SUNY affiliates, and CALS or CHE alumni can obtain a borrowing privilege card from Mann Library by filling out the online application form. This card can be used to borrow materials from Mann, ILR, Vet, and Adelson Libraries. Other visitors can contact Cornell’s Library Public Services Office (116 Olin Library, 607-255-5069) for details about borrowing privileges, or review Cornell University Library’s Visitor Privileges page.

Library Programs

Visit us for Family Story Time. We will be hosting Family Story Time outside while the Visitor Center is closed for renovation and as the weather permits. See our Events page for details.

Donating Books

While Adelson Library does gratefully accept some donated materials, we are not able to accept every book that is offered to us. Due to limited shelf space, we cannot accept duplicate copies or items that are not appropriate for our collection. Please check with Library staff to see if your book meets our requirements by emailing adelson_lib@cornell.edu.