OPENING TIMES
9.30am-7.30pm
9.30am-7.30pm
9.30am-7.30pm
9.30am-5.30pm
9.30am-5.30pm
9.30am-5.30pm
CLOSED
READING ROOM
The Library's Reading Room, on the first floor overlooking St James's Square, provides a congenial, studious and silent place for members to work. There is a specially designated area where each of the desks has an electrical supply so members may use their laptop computers, and there are shelves for members to leave books for ongoing consultation.
The Reading Room houses an outstanding collection of reference books and displays a wide selection of the latest issues of periodicals, journals and magazines. In addition, there are workstations providing access to the Library's growing range of over one hundred electronic publications as well as free access to the internet, either via dedicated workstations in the North Bay or via the Library's 'Wireless internet service' for members using laptops.
FINDING BOOKS AND INFORMATION
The quickest method of finding a book is to find it in the catalogue and note down both the shelfmark and the alphabetical position of the book within the shelfmark (indicated by 'shelved under' in the catalogue entry); this will lead you to its exact place on the shelves. Staff are always on hand in the Issue Hall to give further assistance if required. The Library's online catalogue contains details of all books and periodicals acquired since 1950, and records for earlier material are constantly being added. For complete coverage of pre-1950 acquisitions, please also consult the Library's printed catalogues.
CLOAKROOM FACILITIES
Members are asked not to take bags and cases beyond the main Issue Hall. A secure baggage-check facility is provided at the Reception desk immediately inside the main entrance. Special transparent cases are available for those needing to carry possessions to the Reading Room or book stack areas. Opposite the Reception Desk is an area where coats and umbrellas may be left.
FACILITIES FOR MEMBERS WITH DISABILITIES
Unfortunately the building is not yet fully accessible: there is a short flight of steps from the pavement to the main entrance, and some parts of the bookstacks are not served by the lift. However, all of the main public areas of the building, including the Reading Room, are served by the lift, and there are staff always on hand to provide assistance by retrieving books from the bookstacks. There is also a large-screen monitor in the Reading Room for the use of members with visual impairment.
NON-MEMBERS
The Library building is normally open to members only. Please notify reception staff in advance if you are arranging for a non-member to meet you at the Library.
