Using the Library

Access to the Library's collections is freely available to the public and appointments are not necessary.

However, on their first visit users must obtain a library ticket.  Tickets are valid for two years and allow access to all classes of material with the exception of restricted material, such as illuminated manuscripts. In order to be issued with a ticket, readers should bring two recent passport-style photographs and two forms of ID -one piece of photo ID and one proof of address.  Readers should present one piece of ID from each of the following lists:

Photo ID

• Passport
• Driving licence
• Police/Customs/Home Office/Warrant Card
• Forces ID card
• Old Lambeth Palace Library card

Proof of address

• Recent (less than 3 months old) Utility Bill (Gas, Electricity, Telephone, Water)
• Bank/Building Society Statement (no online/bank branch print-offs)
• Credit Card Statement
• Council Tax Bill/Council Rent Book
• State Pension Book
• Benefit/Family Credit Book
• Passports (where the address has been officially entered by the issuing authority)
• Driving licence with address
• TV licence

Please note that if an item appears on both lists it can only be used once.

[NB Members of staff of the National Church Institutions should bring their staff pass, which will be valid for all classes of material with the exception of restricted material such as illuminated manuscripts].