The Clarence B. Hanson, Jr. Library, located on the first floor of the Museum, is one of the most comprehensive art research libraries in the southeastern United States. Library holdings are focused primarily on areas directly related to the art in the Museum’s collection, but they also include a broad range of research materials such as general art reference works, auction catalogues, artist files, periodicals, indexes, exhibition catalogs, and online and compact disk databases. The Library maintains publications exchange partnerships with over 250 other art institutions throughout the United States and abroad.

The Chellis Wedgwood Collection, housed in the Lucille Stewart Beeson Rare Book Room, is the largest and most comprehensive special collection in the world related to Josiah Wedgwood and his manufactures.

Clarence Bloodworth Hanson, Jr. (1908-1983) was publisher of The Birmingham News and a Birmingham Museum of Art Board member for twenty-four years. An avid bibliophile and collector of rare books, including a fine private press library, Mr. Hanson brought a keen love of history and art to his duties at the Museum. In his memory, Mr. Hanson’s wife Elizabeth Fletcher Hanson (1910-2001) endowed the Clarence B. Hanson, Jr. Library for the benefit of the Birmingham Museum of Art and its visitors.

Due to the unique nature of many items in the collection, patrons may only use Library materials on the premises. A photocopier is available.