Since its founding in 1814, The Athenaeum has inspired and encouraged our members to come together in the name of scholarship, kinship, and cultural engagement.
Join one of the oldest and most esteemed membership libraries
in the United States, The Athenaeum of Philadelphia!
Scroll down to learn more about our membership options, from Student to Shareholder. Can’t decide? We also offer short-term passes on-site.
All membership purchases are final.
Join one of the oldest and most esteemed membership libraries
in the United States, The Athenaeum of Philadelphia!
Scroll down to learn more about our membership options, from Student to Shareholder. Can’t decide? We also offer short-term passes on-site.
All membership purchases are final.
All Shareholders, Subscribers, Students and Young Friends receive Member benefits.
- An official Athenaeum of Philadelphia library card with borrowing privileges from our circulating library collection.
- Use of Athenaeum reading rooms, work spaces, and members’ lounge with coffee, tea, daily newspapers, wireless printer and wi-fi access throughout our National Historic Landmark building.
- Free or discounted ticketing to Athenaeum concerts, classes, lectures, and special events.
- Regular receipt of email bulletins and mailed program brochures.
- Invitation to a new members’ orientation and reception.
- A 25% discount on all orders placed with the Athenaeum’s Regional Digital Imaging Center.
- A 20% discount off books purchased through the University of Pennsylvania Press.
Not sure you want all the benefits of membership but looking for a quiet and inspiring place to study, work, or create?
Work passes are $30/day and offer basic benefits.
Work passes are $30/day and offer basic benefits.
- Use of Athenaeum reading rooms, work spaces, and members’ lounge with coffee, tea, daily newspapers, wireless printer and wi-fi access throughout our National Historic Landmark building.
SUBSCRIBER PLUS
All Subscriber benefits PLUS:
- Free mail delivery of circulating books to a home or vacation address.
- Ability to reserve the DuBarry Conference Room for a meeting.
- Reciprocal access to a consortium of participating membership libraries nationwide.* (*Benefits the discretion of each library.)
- An Athenaeum tote bag and a copy of Philadelphia Victorian, a history of The Athenaeum, upon joining.
JOIN OR RENEW
Dual – $375 / year
JOIN OR RENEW
SHAREHOLDER
Includes up to two adults, plus children under 12First year: $710 (one-time $500 Share purchase plus $210 annual dues)
$210 / year thereafter
- Premium access to the University of Pennsylvania Van Pelt Research Library and their 7 million volume circulating collection
- Receipt of a personalized, transferable Shareholder certificate and biography
- Invitation to and voting privileges at the annual Shareholder’s governance meeting
- A 20% discount off books purchased through the University of Pennsylvania Press
- Free at-home mail delivery of circulating titles
- Ability to reserve the Athenaeum’s DuBarry Conference Room
- Reciprocal access to a consortium of membership libraries nationwide
- Plus all of the benefits for Subscribers and Young Friends
JOIN RENEW
RECIPROCAL LIBRARY PRIVILEGESActive Shareholders of The Athenaeum of Philadelphia have reciprocal privileges at membership libraries across the U.S. SEE THE LIST HERE
SUSTAINER
As a way to further support the Athenaeum community, existing Shareholders can choose to renew at the Sustainer level for $500 per year.- Invitations to exclusive Sustainer events, including behind the scenes tours and receptions
- Plus all of the benefits for Shareholders
JOIN OR RENEW
GIFT MEMBERSHIPS
Give the gift of Athenaeum membership! All membership levels are available to gift to a friend or loved one and will be valid for a year upon issue.GIVE NOW
LIFETIME MEMBERSHIPS
Lifetime Shareholders make a one-time payment of $5,000 that represents ALL future dues payments for that member and as such are not required to make any annual dues payments for the duration of their membership.- NO notices of annual dues
- Receipt of a signed copy of this year’s Athenaeum Literary Award winner
JOIN
LEGACY SOCIETY
One of the most unique and mutually beneficial means of supporting The Athenæum of Philadelphia is by setting up a planned gift as part of your estate plan. Anyone who expresses a present intention to make a planned gift will be enrolled in The Legacy Society.
WAYS TO GIVE
- Retirement Assets
- Wills and Trusts
- Charitable Gift Annuity or Charitable Trust
- Life Insurance
JOIN
