Archive · 3 Jan 2026
NASA Clarifies Library Closure Amid Controversy
NASA is closing its largest library at the Goddard Space Flight Center.
The New York Times reported that NASA would toss away books, but NASA said this isn't true.
NASA's boss, Jared Isaacman, said important books will be kept safe by being turned into digital copies or moved to other places.
The library is closing because NASA is making changes to its buildings.
NASA said researchers will still have access to the information they need.
The closure was planned a long time ago, and NASA is making sure no important books are lost.
NASA's largest library at Goddard Space Flight Center is closing as part of a facilities consolidation plan approved in 2022.
NYT reported that NASA would toss away books, but NASA clarified that important materials will be digitized, transferred, or preserved.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated that no important scientific or historical materials will be discarded.
Library services, including collection checkout, were paused on December 9, 2025.
NASA researchers will continue to have access to necessary scientific information and resources.
- Who
- NASA and NYT
- What
- Controversy over the closure of NASA's largest library and the disposal of books
- When
- Closure effective December 9, 2025; NYT report published earlier in the week of January 2, 2026
- Where
- Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland
- Why
- Part of a long-planned facilities consolidation approved in 2022
- Library Location
- Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt
- Closure Date
- December 9, 2025
- Consolidation Plan Approval
- 2022 under Biden administration
- NASA's Stance on Materials
- No important materials will be tossed; they will be digitized, transferred, or preserved
- NYT's Initial Claim
- NASA would toss away books from the library
- NASA's Response
- Clarified that materials will be properly handled, not discarded
- NASA Administrator
- Jared Isaacman
- Library Services Paused
- Collection checkout and in-person services