In a climate-controlled environment, irreplaceable, centuries-old archival materials are carefully preserved. The recently dedicated Bachman Rare Book Room houses books of early printing from the 16th-18th centuries, limited editions, facsimile editions of rare books and manuscripts, valuable art books, archival materials, and a comprehensive Haggadah collection. By safeguarding these treasures, the Bachman Rare Book Room ensures Jewish continuity by protecting the roots of Jewish knowledge.

Recent renovations in the Tuttleman Library took place over the course of several months, an ambitious project utilizing the skills of a renowned architect from the University of Pennsylvania, David Mowl, one of the few specialists with experience in dealing with the specific problems of preserving rare books. The atmospheric concerns and the non-water fire suppression techniques have been important concerns in the redesign of the space, which moves the Rare Book room from the previously hidden location in the rear of the stacks room to the front of the reading room. A user-accessible glass enclosure enables all members of the Gratz community and the larger community to view the precious artifacts, some of which date back to the dawn of the printed word.