Our reading rooms are now open to people who have pre-booked a visit.
Reading rooms
Tuesday: 09:30–15:30
Wednesday: 09:30–15:30
Thursday: 09:30–15:30
Friday: 09:30–15:30
Saturday: 09:30–15:30
Doors open at 09:00 (Tuesday to Saturday).
Closed on Sunday and Monday.
Our café is open Tuesday to Friday, between 09:00 and 15:30, for visitors who have pre-booked only.
Our shop is open Tuesday to Saturday, between 12:00 and 15:30, for visitors who have pre-booked only. Our reference library and exhibition spaces are currently closed.
Closure dates
We are usually closed for bank holiday weekends (including the Saturday), and for Christmas and New Year. All dates listed below are inclusive.
- Spring bank holiday: Saturday 29 May to Monday 31 May
- Summer bank holiday: Saturday 28 August to Monday 30 August
- Christmas (2021): Friday 24 December to Tuesday 28 December (closing at 17:00 on Thursday 23 December)
- New Year’s Day (2022): Saturday 1 January to Monday 3 January