What to bring with you

All of these items can be taken into the reading rooms (except for food and drink) in clear plastic bags which you can get from security.

Background information on your enquiry

Please bring as much information as you can about your enquiry. This will help us to help you.

Reader's Ticket

You will need a Reader's Ticket to look at original documents. Please bring your Reader's Ticket, if you have one.

Many of our most popular records, particularly those of interest to family historians, are available on microfilm or online. You do not need a Reader's Ticket to consult these records.

Proof of identity and address

If you do not have a valid Reader's Ticket, please bring two forms of identity with you, consisting of acceptable proof of identity and address so we can issue you with a Reader's Ticket, if required to consult original documents.

 

Pencil

You may use only graphite pencils in the reading rooms. Pens are not allowed.

Notepads and laptops

You may bring these to make notes.

Camera

You may use a camera to photograph some documents. Flash photography is forbidden. Copyright applies to all records, details may be obtained from the Record Copying help desks.

Cash, cheques or credit card

Cash, cheques and credit cards are accepted in the shop and for paying for copies of documents.

We do not accept credit cards or cheques in the restaurant or coffee bar, but there is a cash machine (ATM) located next to the restaurant.

Warm clothing

You may want to bring a pullover or cardigan to wear in the reading rooms.

Food and drink

You will find a restaurant and coffee bar at Kew, where you can eat your own food and drink as well. You may not take food and drink into the reading rooms.

Cloakroom

We provide lockers and coat racks for you to store coats, bags and other possessions safely.

We ask you to take into the reading rooms only those items which you need for your research. We will not allow you to take into the reading rooms any items which we consider will threaten the security and safety of our holdings and facilities.