Bishopsgate Institute is open to everyone. We operate a free public space for private study (the Library), and a Special Collections and Archives Researchers’ Area where our unique and nationally renowned collections can be consulted.

As well as providing a space for independent quiet study, our Library space is stocked with daily newspapers and current affairs periodicals and magazines. Personal devices and laptops can be used with our free WIFI access. Drinks (with lids) are permitted in the Library, but food must be consumed elsewhere.

Both the Library and the Special Collections and Archives Researchers’ Area are wheelchair accessible. Assistance dogs are welcome.

There are no membership requirements. Everyone is welcome. We are a reference library only – books and other materials may only be consulted on site.

Library Opening Hours

Monday 10:00 - 17:30

Tuesday 10:00 - 17:30

Wednesday 10:00 - 17.30*

Thursday 10:00 - 17:30

Friday 10:00 - 17:30

*Our Researchers’ Area for accessing our Special Collections and Archives is open until 20:00 every Wednesday.

In the rare instances where the Researchers’ Area is not open late on Wednesdays, this will be advertised @BishopsgateInst. If you would like to check the opening hours before your visit, please email the Special Collections and Archives team library@bishopsgate.org.uk

#FROMTHE ARCHIVES

Bernie Grant was Member of Parliament for Tottenham (1987-2000) and tireless campaigner for social justice, as well as the leading figure in a number of organisations, including Labour Party Black Sections, the Black Trade Unionists’ Solidarity Movement and the African Reparations Movement. His archive includes papers, artefacts, recordings and other material documenting these organisations and the whole of his career, and is an invaluable resource for the study of late twentieth century British history.