Using the Reading Rooms

To use the Reading Rooms here at Gladstone’s Library you either need to be staying as a Resident or:

• be a registered Reader (gives you access to the Reading Rooms for 1 year)
• sign up as a Researcher for the day

You can find out more about how to do that here.

Planning Your Visit

Before you visit, you can browse the Library’s modern and special collections via our online catalogue. You can also download our classmark list.

You can find out about our archives here.

The majority of the collection is available on the open shelves, but items from our archives and special collections need to be requested in advance and you can find out more about how to do that here.

You can see a map of the Reading Rooms here and find out about the opening hours for our different collections spaces here.

We ask that all users familiarise themselves with the Reading Room Regulations and our Late Night Working Policy.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions is detailed here.

Make sure you bring photographic ID and proof of address if you need to sign up as a Reader or Researcher.

Inside the Reading Rooms

No matter what time you arrive there's things you can do, and rooms to visit, which will help you explore the collections. If you arrive during staffed hours (9am-5pm) then make sure you say hello to the Enquiry Desk and ask for an induction. One of the team will show you around and give you all that you need to enjoy the Reading Rooms.

Make sure you explore all our rooms, including the Annex and the House of Wisdom. You can also find the latest literary releases in the Gladstone Room - home to all the most comfortable armchairs.

If you arrive after 5pm you must work in the Theology Room. As the name suggests this is filled with Theology - but if you look at the ground-floor cabinets you'll find a selection of interesting books from across the whole collection. You'll find poetry, science, history, biography, literature - and if you look at our 'Gladstone Recommends' shelf you'll find even more! 

You'll find welcome information and the WIFI registration details on the cabinet nearest the Reading Room doors. If you have any problems there's always a friendly face at Reception and staff perform a security round every hour.