Browsing the Shelves

The Cincinnati Klau Library consists of five floors with thousands of books, periodicals, manuscripts, microfilm reels, images, and recordings. The chart below will help you find the subject areas and formats that can be found on each floor and the library services available.

Browsing the shelves in the Klau Library Cincinnati

Getting Around the Library

First Floor


  • Reference and Reserves Materials
  • Periodicals

  • Circulation Desk
  • Library Administrative Offices
  • Public Computers
  • Copying, Scanning, and Printing
  • Restrooms

Second Floor


  • Judaism
  • Liturgy
  • Law
  • Rituals
  • Rabbinic Theses
  • Cuneiform Studies

  • Study Carrels
  • Cuneiform Studies Room
  • Group Study Rooms
  • Mezzanine Conference Room
  • Restrooms

Third Floor


  • Bibles
  • Bible Commentary
  • Jewish History (Part 1)

  • Study Carrels
  • Reading & Work Areas
  • Reception Desk for National Administration Offices in Pavilion
  • Restrooms

Fourth Floor


  • Language
  • Literature
  • Children’s Books
  • Jewish History (Part 2)

  • Study Carrels
  • Reading & Work Areas
  • IT Department
  • Restrooms

Lower Level


  • Closed stack areas (materials must be requested at the Circulation Desk)
    • Freidus collection (all materials acquired before 1967)
    • Rare book collection
    • Microfilm
    • Special Collections
    • Musical recordings and audiovisual materials
  • Theology
  • Art
  • Cookbooks
  • Music

  • Rabbi David Ellenson Rare Book Room
  • Restrooms