The Library at Wellcome Collection, Benjamin Gilbert. © Wellcome Collection. Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).
There are over 1.1 million items in our library, exploring art, health, culture and what it means to be human.
About the library
The library is free to visit and open to everyone over the age of 18, whether you’re using the collections for research or just curious to find out more.
The library is located on level 2 of the building and has lots of desk space for quiet individual study. We also have a designated area for collaborative work and a Rare Materials Room where you can view the items you’ve requested online. The Rare Materials Room is silent except on Thursdays.
There are two ways of accessing the library:
- Day card: Day cards can be collected from our Admissions desk, available on a first-come, first-served basis. As a day visitor, you can browse the open shelves and use our study spaces.
- Membership: Library membership is for anyone who wishes to request material from our closed stores or access our e-resources. Find out more about becoming a member.
Opening hours
- Monday10:00 – 18:00
- Tuesday10:00 – 18:00
- Wednesday10:00 – 18:00
- Thursday10:00 – 20:00
- Friday10:00 – 18:00
- Saturday10:00 – 16:00
- SundayClosed
Things you need to know for your first visit to the library
Because we have many rare and unique items in our collections that need protection, there are some things you can’t bring into the library.
Things you can bring in
Anything that you need for your study, such as:
- phones
- laptops
- pens
- paper
- books.
If you need something to carry your items in, we provide baskets at the library desk.
Things you can’t bring in
- outdoor coats
- bags
- laptop cases
- umbrellas
- food and drink – including bottled water.
These should be left in lockers on the ground floor or level 2, opposite the library entrance.
If you’d like a drink during your visit, we have water fountains with paper cups in the library.
We encourage you to bring an extra layer of clothing, such as a jumper, fleece or scarf in case you find our temperature-controlled spaces a little cold.
Please be mindful of our conditions of use and computer use policy while you’re in the library.
Where to get help
Our staff at the Admissions Desk at the library entrance on level 2 can give you general information about the library.
You can also contact us by phone or email.