Special Libraries Association

When most of us think of Yosemite National Park we think of soaring peaks, Half Dome, waterfalls, and perhaps crowds enjoying the sights and wonders of one of America’s most famous national parks. Did you know that Yosemite hosted over 5 million visitors in 2016? That’s a lot of people, especially considering most visit from April to October. In fact, you have to look pretty closely to discover the Yosemite Research Library. But it’s there. Past the visitor center, into the 1925 stone Herbert Maier designed Museum building, just past a Native American shopping kiosk, there is a small sign in a stairwell that announces to those who happen to get this far that the Yosemite Research Library is up those stairs.

And if you happen to venture up the stairs and into the dusty back rooms of the second floor, at the end of the hall you’ll see a bookcase for the library visitors to leave their things (particularly their edibles, given the possible critter problems that crumbs might create) and just beyond the bookcase you’ll encounter a closed door. Through that door is over 100 years of Yosemite related research treasures crammed into a small room filled with books, papers, and maps. Collection development started in 1923, and the library now holds over 10,000 items. Despite its rather hidden location and the lack of signage or directions, the library is open to visitors (10-4:30 Mon-Thurs, with a 12-12:30 break for lunch). And, as some of us were able to experience first-hand, also open to volunteers. San Jose’s SLA group was lucky enough to spend a day and a half volunteering at this special place.

In this post, a couple of our members share their experiences:

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