Newport News, Va. – The Mariners’ Museum Library will be closed to the public until fall of 2017.
The expansion of Christopher Newport University’s Paul and Rosemary Trible Library will impact the space occupied by The Mariners’ Museum Library.
The Mariners’ Museum Library will close on April 1, 2016 to allow staff time to prepare for the temporary relocation for the one-of-a-kind items from its collection. The library and archival collections will be inaccessible to staff and researchers.
“Preserving and protecting the library’s world-renowned collection will always be our top priority.” said Elliot Gruber, President and CEO of The Mariners’ Museum and Park. “Arrangements have been made for the Library holdings to be stored in a secure, climate-controlled environment while work on the building continues.”
The Mariners’ Museum Library has more than two million items including books, magazines, rare books, manuscripts, maps and charts, newspaper articles and archives. It is the biggest maritime library in the Western Hemisphere.
“I want to personally thank the entire library staff for all of their hard work. During this transition, they will continue working on projects critical to the museum and library, “ said Gruber.
The library will reopen in its current location at CNU’s Paul and Rosemary Trible Library in early fall of 2017.
For hours and information, visit MarinersMuseum.org, call (757) 596-2222 or write to The Mariners’ Museum, 100 Museum Drive, Newport News, Virginia 23606.