Senate House Library

Special Collections

Special Collections holds a wealth of primary source materials in a variety of formats and media – ranging from medieval times to the modern age – and with exceptional strengths in literature and the arts, sociology, politics and economics.

The Special Collections Reading Room is open weekdays, Monday to Friday, 11:00 - 17:00.

Request Special Collections & Archives items via the catalogue. Find out more about the Special Collections Reading Room.

Heures a l'usaige de Rome (Paris: Germain Hardouyn, c. 1516). A Book of Hours printed on vellum, with manuscript illustrations and rubrication.

Special Collections

Special Collections holds a wealth of primary source materials in a variety of formats and media – ranging from medieval times to the modern age – and with exceptional strengths in literature and the arts, sociology, politics and economics.

The Special Collections Reading Room is open weekdays, Monday to Friday, 11:00 - 17:00.

Request Special Collections & Archives items via the catalogue. Find out more about the Special Collections Reading Room.

Library 150

Senate House Library in 150 items

From ground-breaking scientific texts to great works of literature, this is a selection of items from the first major collections that established Senate House Library on 18 June 1871...

Free access to the archives and special collections

In addition to our regular memberships, we offer a free day ticket for researchers accessing archives, manuscripts or special collections. (This ticket is not valid for accessing other areas or resources within the Library.) Proof of address and photo ID is required.