Visit Guildhall Library

We are pleased to be open more fully and with increased capacity from 4 April 2022.

However, we still strongly recommend that you book a place ahead of your visit if you wish to consult material from our stores. (See below).

• Our opening hours will continue to be Monday to Thursday 10am-4pm.

We strongly advise that you book an appointment to visit the library if you wish to see material that is kept in our stores. (See booking instructions below) This restriction will remain in place because of reduced staffing levels rather than as a direct result of COVID rules and regulations.

Booking is not essential if you only need a study space, a computer for general internet use, or to use our online resources like Ancestry, Find My Past, British Newspaper Archive etc. However, if you would like to guarantee that a computer is available, please do let us know ahead of your visit (See booking instructions below)

How can I book to visit the library?

• We strongly recommend that you book a place if you wish to access material from our stores, including all manuscript material, all rare books and the majority of our other book collections. Booking ahead means that your material will be ready for you at your assigned desk, and you will not have to wait for it to be retrieved from the stores.

To make a booking please email Guildhall Library with your preferred date/s.

• In order to complete a booking, you need to identify the exact reference/shelf number/manuscript number of each item you wish to consult – up to a maximum number of 10 items per visit.
• We can help you use our catalogues by email or by phone (020 7332 1868) (Monday to Thursday), but ideally, we need all item references at least one working day before your visit.

• Booking is not essential to use our computers for general internet use or for access to our digital resources, including Ancestry and Find My Past, British Newspaper Archive etc. However, if you would like to guarantee a computer is available, please email us ahead of your visit.

Please remember that to consult manuscripts and rare books we will require ID when you visit, for instance, a valid LMA History card or a current City of London Libraries Card. However, other ID is acceptable including a current driving licence, passport etc, plus proof of address (bank statement, utilities bill etc.)

• Subject to copyright law and our own photography policy, you may be able to photograph material yourself. Please ask staff for further details – a photography permit is currently available at £7 per day. We are only accepting card payments at the moment.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in the reading room.
• Please note that printing is not currently available from our computers and microfilm readers.