When should I arrive and when do I need to leave?
We can accommodate research visits during our opening hours.
Currently we open 10.30am – 4.30pm between 1 March – 31 October, and 11am – 3.30pm between 1 November - 28 February.
Entrance into the museum is via the bookshop, where a member of staff on the front desk will greet you and direct you the Wood Library.
What should I bring with me?
You will need to bring some photographic ID (i.e. passport/driving license) with you, and you will need to complete a researcher registration form on arrival.
Your coat and bags can be kept with you in the library.
The Wood Library is equipped with a range of specialist materials to help you access the collection including rests, books snakes, magnifiers, and gloves so you will only need to bring your own research materials, such as notepads, stationery etc.
In order to prevent damage to the collection, you must use a pencil or an electronic device to make notes. Pens and highlighters are not permitted in the Wood Library or Guildhall study space. We have pencils and pencil sharpeners available for research use, as well as limited stationery supplies available for purchase in the bookshop. There are also high street stationers within walking distance if you forget anything.
You are welcome to bring your own laptop, and wifi is available.
Can I bring food and drink?
In order to preserve the collection, food and drink is not permitted in the Wood Library or Guildhall study space.
There are a range of cafes, restaurants and shops within a few minutes’ walk of both the Museum and the Guildhall where you can purchase lunch, drinks and snacks, and our staff are happy to make recommendations if required.
Can I make photocopies?
A4 printing and copying facilities are available by request and at additional cost.
We currently charge 30p (inclusive VAT) per side of A4 for colour copies/prints and 20p (inclusive VAT) per side of A4 for monochrome copies/prints.
Some objects may not be available for copying due to their condition. Museum staff can advise on this and, for most of our manuscripts, scans are available and can be printed for you if required.
Can I take photographs?
You are welcome to take photographs of the majority of items in our collection for individual research purposes. If an item cannot be photographed, staff will advise you of this.
We do have photographs and digitised scans of many of our collections items and are happy to make these available to you on request.
Can I borrow items from the collection?
No, we do not loan items from the collection to individual researchers, and materials cannot be removed from the Wood Library/Guildhall study space during your visit.
However you are welcome to request copies or take photographs of materials, and we are happy to arrange for further research visits if you need more time to consult materials.