FAQs

Library running costs are partly funded by our member subscriptions, which we try to keep to an affordable level, and other income streams including letting our ground floor to commercial tenants, project fundraising, running events and retail. As an independent library we receive no statutory funding from local or central government. Grants from funding bodies such as Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic England help with special projects and building improvements.

The library is for members. Non-members are welcome at most of our events and can use our collections for research purposes (by appointment).

Yes, children are welcome in the library. We have a children's library and regularly buy fiction and non-fiction for children and young adults.  School age children and grandchildren are included on Individual and Joint Memberships.  Under 16's must be accompanied at all times unless by prior arrangement, with signed parental permission.

We run regular guided tours throughout the year, as well as a wide range of literary and heritage events that are open to non members. If you are interested in joining the library you can pick up a form from our hallway when we are open, or download a form on our membership pages here. We cannot offer entry to non-members except by prior arrangement.  You can book an appointment by calling the library on 0115 9473134; this will be a short (approx 15 minute) visit during which we will show you the key rooms, explain the main features of membership and answer your questions. VIEW OUR TOURS & EVENTS HERE

Unfortunately, the library is spread over three upper floors and we do not have a lift. There are steps up into the library and we are accessed via several staircases.  This is something we are keen to improve and are working with the appropriate bodies to find solutions to access in a Grade 2* listed building.   If you have any questions about access please contact the library direct on 01159 473134 or e-mail here 

No but we do have a well-stocked coffee room for members, including teas, filter coffee, hot chocolate and herbal tea. All hot drinks are £1. We also provide plates and cutlery for members who bring in their own food. Members can eat and drink throughout the library, we ask that you clear up after yourself - but we will put your plates and mugs in our dishwasher, no need to wash up! There may be times when food and drink are not allowed in certain rooms, for example if if we are working with, conserving or displaying older collection items.

We have good Wi-Fi in the building. We don’t have computer terminals, but most rooms have space for you to plug in your own device. We can give the wi-fi codes to you at the counter and advise you on the best places in the library to work quietly on your laptop.  We do not allow any online meetings by members, and require all devices are on silent - including notifications. This also extends to the garden.  Phone calls are not allowed in the library, other than short calls in the downstairs hallway.