Using the Library during Words In The Square
Will I still be able to use the Library during Words In The Square?
The Library will be operate as normal and be open for the usual standard opening hours during WITS. There will be extended opening hours on Friday and Saturday when tours will take place, members are welcome to use the Library as usual during this time.
Thursday 5th May 9.30am - 5.30pm
Friday 6th May 9.30am - 8.00pm
Saturday 7th May 9.30am - 8.00pm
Is the Library expected to be busier?
We do anticipate that the Library will be busier than usual for the duration of the celebrations. WITS is proving popular with members so we anticipate that there may be increased member use of the Library around events. In addition to the events in the Marquee we are offering tours of the Library building throughout Friday and Saturday, and whilst we aim to be as unobtrusive as possible, it is inevitable that there will be some disruption, particularly around the Issue Hall, Backstacks (Science & Miscellaneous), Basement, Art Room and Reading Rooms. The main Reading Room will remain open to members but will be used as a display space and be part of the tours offered, so this means in the run up to WITS (week before) and for the duration, it will not be a designated quiet space.
In light of this, members wishing to work in the Library during the celebrations may wish to consider desks in the Central Stack and Mezzanine as they may prove to be quieter. As always, staff in the Issue Hall will be happy to advise on suitable space.
So other than increased demand on space and potential disruption from tours, it will be service as usual?
We will endeavour to keep up the same levels of service as we offer at other times and will offer all the same services. There is a possibility that an increased number of members visiting St. James’ in this period will result in an increased use of some services and facilities, and we ask you to bear with us if this proves the case.
Reservations
We will still offer a reservations fetching service but since increased demand may mean slower turnaround times for these, please make sure all requests are made in good time.
Invigilation/access to safe material
Yes, offered as usual. Depending on demand for material to be fetched there may be a slightly slower turnaround time. Please order any required material in good time.
Lockers
There is a cloakroom facility at the Marquee and we hope that members attending events will make use of this. There is a possibility that members intending to attend an event and use the Library will mean increased demand for lockers. Please consider what you need to bring with you during this period.
Bike store
The Library bike store in Mason's Yard (capacity 16 bicycles) is available for members' exclusive use; in the general WITS FAQs we have provided information on other cycle parking and the Santander Cycle Hire Scheme in St James’s Square. Increased Library use by members may mean more demand for the bike store; if this proves the case we refer you to the WITS FAQs for information on other cycle parking.
If you have not used the bike store before you will need to have your Library membership card activated at the reception desk of the TS Eliot House entrance.
Cycles are left at members' own risk.
Will it be possible to tour the Library without booking?
As part of the 175 celebrations the Library is offering people the chance to have a tour of the building. These tours differ from the free tours that we run fortnightly as they include the opportunity to view curated displays containing some of our most interesting items.
Members will be welcome to visit the displays in the main Reading Room and elsewhere throughout the period and we will have information about these available closer to the time.
As usual members will be welcome to sign guests in to show them the Library but we would ask you to give consideration to when bookable tours are taking place, avoiding these times if possible (tours and time with display approx. 75 minutes):
Friday 6th May start times – 10am, 1pm, 2.30pm, 4pm & 7pm
Saturday 7th May start times – 10am, 1pm, 2.30pm, 4pm & 7pm
Can I return and/or collect books from the Marquee?
Unfortunately no books can be collected or returned at the Marquee as there will not be the space or equipment to facilitate this. All Library business should be conducted at the Library as usual.
I cannot attend WITS, will you be offering other ways that members can participate/enjoy, eg podcasts?
We understand that not all members will be able to attend WITS but many would like to mark/celebrate the anniversary year in some way. We are exploring costs associated with various ways of recording to ensure at the minimum we have an archive record. We have no plans for podcasts at this time but hope to be able to share some elements of the day with those unable to attend, if possible.
Who should I contact to ask a question not covered by the Member FAQs?
We hope that we have anticipated most questions but if there is anything we have not covered please do contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (020) 7766 4700.
I have a concern or complaint, who should I contact?
We do hope that everyone attending WITS will have a wonderful experience and that members using the Library during this period will not find this too disruptive but we also acknowledge that things can go wrong. Staff will be available in the Library on the day to resolve any queries or you may contact Mary Gillies, Deputy Librarian, by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
