Browsing the Shelves

The Klau library in New York is located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Brookdale Center. The collection comprises over 200,000 items, with concentration on Jewish philosophy, history, Kabbalah, rabbinic literature, Biblical commentaries, and other subjects. The chart below provides additional information about the materials and services on each floor.

Shelves of books in the Klau Library in New York

Getting Around the Library

The reference section and circulating materials (A-BM 700) are located on the main floor of the library (second floor). Additionally, recent periodicals, rare books and new books are also available on the main floor.

Additional circulating material (BM 701-Z), folio, bound periodicals and theses, as well as music materials are available on the upper level of the library (third floor).

Other items shelved in special locations include:

  • Recorded music
  • Sheet music

Second Floor


  • Reference and Reserves
  • Periodicals
  • Sheet Music
  • Rare Books
  • Jewish Philosophy
  • Rabbinic Literature and Commentaries
  • Prayerbooks
  • Jewish Life

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

Third Floor


  • Bound Periodicals
  • Rabbinic Theses
  • Offprints
  • Rare Music Material
  • Manuscripts
  • Kiev Collection
  • Biblical Literature and Commentaries
  • Jewish History
  • Jewish Music
  • Jewish Literature
  • Israeli Literature

  • Restrooms