To use the Reading Rooms here at Gladstone’s Library you need to be staying as a Resident or be a Reader or Researcher.
The majority of the collection is available on the open shelves, but there are restrictions on archives, distinctive collections and closed access items.
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Resident
Gladstone’s Library is the UK’s only residential library with a collection of over 150,000 items to explore. A place for serious study or a relaxing retreat for booklovers, the longer you stay, the more you will enjoy Gladstone’s Library.
Reader
Anyone is welcome to come and use the Reading Rooms for their reading, writing, revising, and thinking. By joining the Library as a Reader, you become part of a rich community. Readers can use the Reading Rooms every day from 9am – 10pm.
Researcher
If you don’t need to join as a Reader (if you’re only visiting for a single day, for example), then you can apply for a Researcher pass. This gets you access to the Reading Rooms between 9am-5pm. Just email [email protected] for details.
Before You Visit
Before you visit, you can browse the Library’s collections via our online catalogue. You can also download our classmark list and the Reading Room map. We ask that all users familiarise themselves with the Reading Room Regulations and Opening Times. A list of Frequently Asked Questions is detailed 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.
When You Get Here
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.
Visiting for the First Time
If you are visiting for the first time, take your Reader application form to the Enquiry Desk. Once you’ve shown your two forms of identification we’ll get your Reader card processed and you can use the Reading Rooms that same day. Just remember to ask for an induction!
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.
Arriving After 5pm
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.
Becoming A Reader Is Free!**
Why do our Readers keep coming back? Because they get more work done here than they do anywhere else.
Anyone is welcome to come and use the Reading Rooms for their reading, writing, revising, and thinking. By joining the Library as a Reader, you become part of a rich community. Readers can use the Reading Rooms every day from 9am – 10pm.
If you wish to become a Reader, you don’t need to apply in advance. Just download this form and bring it into the library, or pop into the library to complete one. Please note you need to present the form in person and bring two forms of ID, one photographic (passport, driving licence, etc) and one as proof of address (household bill, bank statement, etc).
** To cover the cost of producing the card, we do ask for a voluntary £5 donation.
Only need to use the Reading Rooms for a day or so?
Simply email [email protected] to ask about our Researcher pass. These are completely free as long as you return them at the end of each day.
Want to use the Reading Rooms but you’re under 16?
Simply email [email protected] to ask about our Young Researcher pass. This is for younger users who will be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. As part of the Library’s safeguarding commitments, we aren’t able to permit users under 16 to use the Reading Rooms unaccompanied.
Renewals and Replacements
Renewals – If your Reader card has expired, and you would like to renew it, please ask at the Reading Rooms Enquiry Desk during staffed hours (9am – 5pm every day) where a member of the library team will be able to renew your card.
Please bring with you one form of ID with a photograph when renewing your card. If your address or personal details have not changed, we can print and renew your card straight away – you will not need to fill out another form.
If your address or personal details have changed, you will need to fill out a ‘Using the Reading Rooms’ form so we can update our records. Please also bring with you a valid proof of address (e.g. a utility bill, bank statement, official correspondence). Electronic copies of proof of address are acceptable.
Replacements – If you have lost your card, we are able to issue a replacement card to you for a £5 charge. Payment should be made in person, either by cash or card.
Please ask a member of the library team at the Reading Rooms Enquiry Desk for a Replacement Card form.
In order to protect our users and ensure that the collection is kept secure, entry to the Reading Rooms is for Residents, Readers only. If you’re thinking about a one-off visit, please email [email protected] and ask about our Researcher pass.
Theology Room: Daily 9am-10pm
Other collections spaces (including the History Room) and Enquiry desk: Daily 9am-5pm
Archives and special collections viewings: Monday-Friday, 9.30am-1pm and 2pm-4.30pm
Reading Room Regulations
For the safety of people and collection items, all Readers and Residents agree to observe the Reading Room Regulations and the Late Night Working Regulations. Both are emailed to Readers when their application is processed, and Residents when they book.
Archives and special collections are available for scheduled viewings Monday to Friday, 9:30am-1pm and 2pm-4:30pm.
To view items in our archives and special collections you must make an appointment for a viewing using the process in the relevant section below.
Please contact us to make your appointment as far in advance of your proposed visit as possible so that you can definitely book a space as we can be very busy and occasionally the Reading Rooms close for special events and collections care.
You must allow at least 14 days’ notice to enable us to do condition checks and so that we can check whether there are any data protection issues that may prevent your access to any items from the archives that you would like to view.
To avoid disappointment, make sure your appointment has been confirmed before you book your accommodation and travel.
To view archives and special collectons you need to be a Resident at the Library, a registered Reader, or sign up as a Researcher for the day. You will need to bring photographic ID and proof of your address. To find out more click here.
If you have any questions about our archives and special collections, please email [email protected].
Please note that these policies relate to the Reading Rooms only and not the wider Gladstone’s Library. Click here to read more.
