Opening hours
Please note, the Foyle Reading Room will be closed to visitors due to the rail strikes on Tuesday 3, Wednesday 4, Thursday 5 and Friday 6 January. However the team will be working remotely on these days and will be able to help with online queries during normal opening hours. Please email enquiries@rgs.org for assistance.
The Foyle Reading Room is open Monday to Friday. If you are planning a research visit, booking is required.
The opening times are Monday to Friday 10.00am - 1.00pm and 2.00pm - 5.00pm (6.30pm when there is a Monday night lecture).
To make an appointment please email enquiries@rgs.org
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.
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:
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£10 per day for members of the public
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Rates for commercial access on application
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Free staff support for initial enquiries
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A charging policy covers detailed one-to-one help and research
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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
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Photocopying for private, educational and research use is available at the discretion of the Principal Librarian
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Copying for commercial use can be arranged through the Picture Library
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Free WiFi is available in the Foyle Reading Room
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Web access is provided to a series of research-related sites
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You can reserve items in advance of your visit by email, phone or post.
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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.