Normal opening times
For researchers
Tuesday – 10am to 5pm (closed for lunch 1-2)
Wednesday – 10am to 5pm (closed for lunch 1-2)
Thursday – 10am to 5pm (closed for lunch 1-2)
Please note, although we welcome people dropping in to speak to staff or enquire about our services, if we have no booked appointments we may not open to the public, so check with us before you visit.
Reduced opening hours July–September
The reading room will be closed to researchers Tuesday 30 July–Thursday 1 August, as Friends House is closed to the public for Yearly Meeting.
We will be operating a reduced service during August and September, due to a temporary staff shortage. The reading room will be closed to researchers on Thursday 5 September and Tuesday 10 – Thursday 11 September. There may also be additional closures at short notice, or temporary restrictions on the number of places available.
We apologise for any inconvenience this causes. Please get in touch with us to discuss your research and we will do our best to help you find the best day for your visit. Our normal service will resume from 16 September.
Appointments
To be able to use a desk space and work with collection material you need to register and book an appointment.
In order to book your appointment please complete the following steps:
1. Book your appointment
Visit our appointment booking page
select "Research Desk Appointment"
- choose your time and date
- add your contact details
- click book
To book the whole day, book the morning slot, then click "New Booking" and book the afternoon slot.
You must book at least 48 hours in advance.
2. Register
If you have not visited the Library since 2020 please fill in our online registration form.
By completing this form you are agreeing to abide by the Library Terms of Use (Word doc)
To complete your registration present photographic ID and proof of address when you visit.
3. Order Material
We ask that you order everything you wish to look at in advance.
Please fill in and return our Resource Order Form (Word doc) at least 24 hours before your appointment. Instructions on how to find the relevant information are written on the form.
If you have any questions, or need help with finding material and using our systems please email us at library@quaker.org.uk or you can call us on (020) 7663 1135.
Please note that some enquirers are finding that our emails get caught in their spam filters, so we recommend checking your junk mail and/or adding us to your safe sender list.
Registration
We require you to fill in a form that we will send you when you book an appointment. On your arrival at the Library, you will need to present photographic ID and proof of address. We accept the following forms of ID:
Photographic ID:
- Drivers Licence
- National photo ID card
- Passport
Proof of Address:
- Utility Bill, Bank Statement or payslip with address (under 6 months old)
- National Identity Card/Drivers licence if address shown
- Letter from University confirming address
How to get here
Friends House is at 173-177 Euston Road, London, opposite Euston Station. See the Friends House website for further information and a map. Once in the building, turn left at reception to get to the Library.
FAQs
Can anyone use the library?
Yes, we welcome anyone who wants to use our collections. Unfortunately, we can't offer desk space to those who aren't using collection resources. We ask for photographic ID and proof of address for the security of our collections. If you have issues presenting these forms of ID, please contact us in advance and we can discuss possible alternatives.
How do I find out what material you hold on x?
You can search our online catalogue. Almost all of our published material is catalogued, and a large amount of our archive material. For some of our most popular topics we have produced research guides, which are available on our About the collections page. We have more finding aids in the reading room to help navigate our archives, please email library@quaker.org.uk for further information.
Do you have any digital collections?
Some of our material has been made available online by us or other institutions. Please see our Digital Resources page for further information and links.
Do I need to make an appointment to access the reading room?
You need to make an appointment to use a desk-space and view collections. You are welcome to pop in to view the room, speak with our Library Assistants, or browse some leaflets without an appointment.
Is there a charge to access the reading room?
No. We only charge for photography passes and orders for digital photography. The Library is part of Quakers in Britain, which is funded by donations. If you would like to donate to our work, please visit our Giving page.
Can I bring someone else with me?
Each person who wants to work at the desks in the reading room needs to register as a Library member and have an appointment. If you would like to come as a pair or a small group, please let staff know, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
What can I bring into the reading room?
The Library has rules on what you can and cannot bring into the reading room to avoid damage (accidental or intentional) to our collections, preserving them for future users.
You may bring a small, clear plastic bag (of the sort provided by the British Library), containing essential items, including pencils, personal devices and your own notes.
The following items are not allowed in the reading room:
- Ink pens of any type
- Tippex and other forms of correction fluid
- Adhesives
- Sharp objects
- Food
- Drink
- Other bags
Are there lockers available?
Yes, we have a locker for each desk space in the Library.
We cannot store reader belongings anywhere else in the building or behind the desk in the reading room, so we would recommend not bringing large bags. There are luggage storage facilities available around Euston Station.
Is there anywhere I can park my bike if I cycle to the Library?
The nearest secure bike racks are located outside Euston Station. Santander Cycles docking stations are located nearby.
Do you offer computer access or printing services?
The PCs in our reading room are only for using Library resources, and we are unable to offer printing services. If you need more general computer services or printing, the nearest public library is Pancras Square.
Is there wifi?
Yes, Library users can request free wifi vouchers from the desk.
Is photography permitted in the reading room?
We charge £5 for a photography pass, allowing you to photograph our resources. This makes a small contribution to our running costs and helps keep access to the Library free for everyone.
If you would like to take photos of the material you are looking at you will need to fill out a copyright declaration form and pay £5.
Do you loan out books?
We are primarily a reference library, but we do have some loan copies of books, which are available to registered readers for a month at a time.
Is there somewhere I can eat lunch or get a drink?
Yes, Friends House is home to The Quaker Centre bookshop and café. There are outdoor courtyard and garden seats where you can eat a packed lunch. There are also free water dispensers around the building, although please remember we don't allow food or drink in the Library.
How do I reference material from your library?
Our library is officially known as the Library of the Society of Friends, abbreviated to LSF. You should be able to find most of the information you need for a bibliography in our catalogue, Library staff are happy to help if you are unsure.
Does LSF offer interlibrary loans?
No.
Can you do research on my behalf?
No, unfortunately our staff team does not have the capacity to carry out research on behalf of readers. We can look up information in our finding aids, let you know what we have on your subject and answer straightforward questions.
If you require more in-depth work you will need to hire a professional researcher. We recommend the AGRA directory for genealogical researchers (https://www.agra.org.uk/). You may also be able to find a suitable researcher via The National Archives independent researcher page (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your...)
Does LSF offer appraisals or valuations of items?
No.
Can I donate books or other items to the Library collection?
The Library has limited space and a specific collecting remit. You can see our Collections policy on the About the Collections part of our site.
If you have something you would like to donate to the Library, please email library@quaker.org.uk, giving as much detail as possible about the item you would like to donate. We may not be able to accept your donation but will do our best to advise you if there is another, more appropriate, home for it.
Please do not bring or send items to the Library without prior agreement with the Library staff.
Can I arrange a guided tour of the Library?
We offer organised visits to the reading room, with a focus on topics of interest, and displays of relevant materials. To find out more, email library@quaker.org.uk
Are there special facilities or assistance for disabled readers?
View our accessibility information sheet under the Find Out More section on the right of this page. If you would like more information, or if you need assistance, please email library@quaker.org.uk or call (020) 7663 1135 in advance of your visit.
Social Media
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Find out more on our Quaker Strongrooms blog.
Find us on Twitter @LibSocFriends