Look at our materials and sources
We have a search room on the ground floor of Central Library where you can look at archives, rare books and special collections. It is open:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday - 9am to 5pm
- Thursday - 9am to 8pm
- Sunday - closed
Christmas Search Room Closure Dates
Please note that the search room will be closed on the following dates over the Christmas break:
- Wednesday 24 December 2025
- Thursday 25 December 2025
- Friday 26 December 2025
- Wednesday 31 December 2025
- Thursday 1 January 2026
For visiting on Saturday 27 or Monday 29 December - Please book via email no later than 12noon on Tuesday 23 December. Any archive bookings received after this time will not be processed.
For visiting on Tuesday 30 December and Friday 2 January 2026 - Please book via email no later than 12noon on Monday 29 December. Any archive bookings received after this time will not be processed.
For visiting on Saturday 3 or Monday 5 January - Please book via email no later than 12noon on Friday 2 January. Any archive bookings received after this time will not be processed.
To visit, please book the search room at least one working day in advance. We need to receive your request by 9am on the day before you want to visit, or by 9am on Friday if you want to visit on a Monday.
Upon your first visit to the search room, please bring current ID to sign in which confirms your name, address and signature. Examples include a drivers licence or passport together with a recent utility bill. This registration will then last one year.
Search the library catalogue or GM Lives archive catalogue to find resources you're interested in.
Some archive materials can take up to two weeks to retrieve from storage. These are marked 'This material is stored off-site' in the catalogue.
Search room guidelines
- Self-service photocopying is available for a fee in the search room.
- Please note that some items are too fragile to be copied. You are welcome to use your own camera to photograph items in the search room - there is a charge for this of £6 for half a day.
- Bags must be left in the lockers provided.
- No pens, food or drink are permitted in the search room - pencils only.
- You are welcome to bring laptops, tablets and phones into the search room.
- Handling guidelines are available in the search room. We have produced videos on handling volumes and handling rolled maps and plans.
- Only original material which is not available on microfilm or digitally will be produced in the search room.