Reopening the Foyle Reading Room

As coronavirus restrictions are relaxed, we are planning to welcome back researchers to the Foyle Reading Room on an appointment-only basis from Tuesday 20 July.

For the period 20 July to 10 September the Foyle Reading Room will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays for pre-booked appointments only.

The opening times are: 10.30am – 1.00pm and 2.00pm – 4.00pm.

To make an appointment, please contact the Principal Librarian: e.rae@rgs.org

Opening times in September will be announced in due course.

In the meantime, Society staff continue to work remotely and are contactable by telephone or email as usual. The Foyle Reading Room team have access to our digital archive and can help with many enquiries via email enquiries@rgs.org.

Please note that our access to the post continues to be limited, and we apologise for the delay in responding to any post you send us.

 

Opening hours

From 19 July, appointments will be available during the following times:

  • 10.00am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday

  • Closed public holidays

 

Access

Anyone over 16 can register as a reader in the Foyle Reading Room and use the Collections (11-16 year olds by arrangement). To register as a reader, please bring your Society membership card. Non-members should bring their photo driving licence or passport, and a recent utility bill. If you wish to register as an educational user, please also bring your student/staff card (library cards are not accepted).

The Foyle Reading Room is accessible to wheelchairs and has free WiFi.

 

Planning your visit

If there are specific items that you wish to consult during your visit, please contact the enquiries desk by email enquiries@rgs.org or telephone +44 (0)20 7591 3044, to arrange for materials to be retrieved in advance of your visit.

 

Charges

Use of the Foyle Reading Room is free for Society Fellows and members, and those in formal education (proof of educational status required). Other charges:

  • £10 per day for members of the public

  • Rates for commercial access on application

  • Free staff support for initial enquiries

  • A charging policy covers detailed one-to-one help and research

  • Access to all the catalogues is free

 

Security

Lockers are provided for items which cannot be brought into the Foyle Reading Room, such as pens, coats and bags. A £1 coin is required as a deposit. Cameras and other forms of copying equipment are not allowed. Readers are photographed on registration.

 

Services

  • Photocopying for private, educational and research use is available at the discretion of the Principal Librarian

  • Copying for commercial use can be arranged through the Picture Library

  • Free WiFi is available in the Foyle Reading Room

  • Web access is provided to a series of research-related sites

  • You can reserve items in advance of your visit by email, phone or post.

  • Visitors are also welcome to make use of the Members' Room upstairs. Our staff can show you where this is located. 

Occasionally, materials can only be requested by prior appointment; please contact us for further details.

Visiting the Society

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