Because we are a reference library and not a lending library, you have to consult material in the reading rooms or, where available, online.
We have three reading rooms in two buildings. We keep books and journals in both buildings and transfer them on request to the appropriate reading room by a regular van service.
Can't visit in person?
Use our virtual reading room service if you can't visit our reading rooms.
Which reading room do you need?
We encourage you to pre-order material where appropriate. Read about each reading room for more information about how to do this for different types of collections.
General Reading Room
Order journals, newspapers, and most post-1850 printed books. These can be accessed in our George IV Bridge building. The Discovery Room in this area has a group working space and facilities to consult microforms and multimedia.
Special Collections Reading Room
Order manuscripts, music and rare books. These can be accessed at our George IV Bridge building.
Maps Reading Room
Order maps, atlases, gazetteers, and cartographic reference books to view in our Causewayside Building. Other outsize items from the Library's collection may also need to be consulted here.
Search our collections online
Not ready to visit us in person? Search books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, music, moving images, and more.
Collections in person
Once you have ordered your material, there are certain rules for what you can take photos of and how you should handle our material such as older books and manuscripts. There are four deliveries of ordered materials to the reading rooms each weekday.
Care of collections
Items that you consult in the reading rooms need to be treated with care.
Self-service photography
Guidance on what you can and cannot photograph in the reading rooms.
Collections delivery times
Check what time your material will arrive once you have ordered it.
Need a copy of something from our collection?
Request copies and find out more about our copying service.
Contact us
Got a question about the Library's collections and services? Chat with us online or use the enquiry form.