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Photographic proof of identity is required for non-members of the Royal Institute of British Architects to access the Library at 66 Portland Place, see under Admissions| for more details. A photocopying service| for most of the books and periodical articles that we hold is available. 

 

RIBA Library opening times

From 5 January 2010 for 66 Portland Place

Monday: closed
Tuesday: 10am-5pm
Wednesday: 10am-5pm
Thursday: closed
Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-1.30pm
Sunday: closed

Please note the revised opening hours. See RIBA Library news| for details 

Location 

The RIBA British Architectural Library is located on the 3rd floor of the RIBA headquarters|. Both the Library and building are open to the public. 

Contact us

Information on how to contact the Library and collections can be found at contact details|.

 

Holiday closures

 

The Library is closed on Sundays and English public holidays. In addition it is normally closed on the Saturday before bank holidays and from noon on the last weekday before Christmas until after the New Year bank holiday.

The Library reading rooms are normally closed for part of August, but the telephone, email, fax and postal enquiry services remain available.

 

Admissions to the Library and collections

RIBA British Architectural Library

The RIBA British Architectural Library| at 66 Portland Place is open to RIBA members and the public for reference purposes. RIBA members should bring their RIBA membership card. Access is free to non-RIBA members on production of proof of identity, which must contain a photograph, e.g. passport, driving licence, student university ID, British Library or National Archives Network card. Please note only RIBA members may borrow books.

Most material is accessible on demand. However some material is held off site and has to be collected by staff at set times - 12 noon and 3pm weekdays. Collection is not possible on Saturdays.

RIBA Library Drawings and Archives Collections

Access to the RIBA Library Drawings and Archives Collections| at the Victoria & Albert Museum is free to both RIBA members and the public. Viewing of material is done in the RIBA Architecture Study Rooms at the V&A. Group visits must be booked three weeks in advance.

 

Opening hours:
Monday: closed
Tuesday - Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: closed 
Sunday: closed

 

Set collection times operate for retrieval of material for viewing; they are 10.15am, 11.45am, 2pm and 3.15pm. The latest time requests can be made for material to be collected from the store each day is 4pm.

RIBA Library Photographs Collection

To see material in the Photographs Collection it is essential to make an appointment with the RIBA Library Photographs Collection. This collection is located in the RIBA headquarters at 66 Portland Place. This material can also be viewed digitally via our online database RIBApix|, where prints of the images can be purchased.