The St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri - St. Louis
This historic treasure contains 160 + years of St. Louis history and culture. The collection of rare archival materials and manuscripts is a great resource for researchers. The Barriger Railroad Library and Pott Waterways Library have extensive records and publications about these topics, as well as intricate models of boats and trains, artifacts from these industries and great artwork.
The Mercantile Library has an extensive art collection as well, with paintings, sculpture, prints and drawings on display. Changing exhibits make it worth a repeat visit.
The Library is found inside the Thomas Jefferson Library building on the University of Missouri campus, just one Metrolink stop from the airport. The Library and its exhibits are free and open to the public. Group tours are available with three weeks advance reservation. Hours and directions are available on their website: http://www.umsl.edu/mercantile/.
