Doors Open 2026: Go Behind–the-Scenes at the Physical Archive

Please join us October 20th from 6-8pm as we take a peek behind the doors of the Physical Archive in Richmond, California. The Internet Archive is excited to offer a behind-the-scenes tour of the physical collections of books, music, film, and video in Richmond, California. With this special insider event we are opening the doors to an often unseen place. See the lifecycle of physical materials: donation, preservation, digitization, and access. Also, samples from generous donations and acquisitions of books, records, microfiche, and more will be on display. Guests will be able to explore unique collections contributed by generous donors in the Special Collections Room. Highlights include a glimpse into collections being preserved for Democracy’s Library, local Bay Area donors' unique collections, and collections championed by individual donors. Come explore the rare, quirky and wonderful collections that have found their preservation homes at the Physical Archive! DETAILS Light refreshments will be provided. DOORS OPEN: 6 PM - 8PM On-site parking is limited. Guests are encouraged to use alternate transportation. TOURS Tours of the facility will run throughout the night and are available for everyone. If you would like to see a preservation demonstration in addition to the facility tour, please select an add-on as you select your tickets in order to guarantee a reservation. Limit to 2 add-ons per person: Preservation Demonstration: Books & Serials • 7:00pm & 7:30pm, Maximum 30 guests per timeslot • See how books and serials are scanned using the Scribe, the non-desctructive book scanner designed by Internet Archive engineers. Preservation Demonstration: Microfiche • 7:00pm & 7:30pm, Maximum 30 guests per timeslot • See the microfiche digitization stations in action! Learn how the high-resolution cameras capture images from microfiche cards. Preservation Demonstration: Climate Monitoring & Control • 7:00pm & 7:30pm, Maximum 40 guests per timeslot • Hear a presentation on climate monitoring and control in the physical archives, and see the equipment we’re testing for preserving print media.