Since our majestic reading rooms opened in 1884, the National Art Library and the Museum Archives have been proud of offering and encouraging free, universal access, with our collections, spaces and staff at the service of the widest possible community. Of course, our core function remains guaranteeing a comfortable, welcoming and peaceful space for reading and study of our collections, whether they are ancient, contemporary or digital.
However, preserving that atmosphere means that we reluctantly close our doors to those not actively engaging with our collections. We’re determined to balance this with more opportunities to experience the National Art Library, to see our treasures and to hear the enthusiasm and knowledge of our staff, and we’ve been delighted to welcome well over 400 visitors to our informal weekly talks in the last six months.
As part of an evolving programme of public events, we’re also now delighted to launch our Library and Archive Discovery Days. Starting on Friday 1st November, these days will see the doors to the Library thrown open, for an informal opportunity to drop in and explore and interact with our Reading Rooms, our holdings and the many librarians and archivists who care for them.
We’ll be offering the chance to sit and browse some recent purchases, to see and discuss some items specially selected by staff, and an opportunity to glimpse some ‘behind the scenes’ Library spaces.
As the day falls in many schools’ Half Term break, we’re particularly excited to transform our Special Collections reading room into a relaxing, quiet space for parents and families. We look forward to hearing what our younger visitors think of the room while they browse some stories, relax in bean bags or draw a time capsule for their future selves.
We’ll also be very happy to sign up any visitor who would like to join the National Art Library.
