Visit Guildhall Library

Book an appointment

To see closed access items we require you to book in advance. This includes all manuscript material, rare books and most 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.

Email us your request in advance

To book email Guildhall Library with your preferred dates.

• 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.

Bring your ID

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.)

Other library services

• 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 for up to 30 images and £20 per day for over 30. We only accept card payments.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in the reading room.
• Please note that printing is not currently available from our computers and microfilm readers.

No appointment needed

You do not need to book an appointment if you want to see items on the open shelves, use the library for a study space, use a microfilm reader, a computer for general internet use, or to use our online resources like Ancestry, Find My Past, British Newspaper Archive etc.

Download the programme of events