Reader Membership

Reader Membership

Members of the public may apply to become readers. Applications are reviewed, and successful applicants will be notified by email. You must be over 18 to join as a Reader.

Once you have received confirmation of your library membership, which will include your membership number, you are welcome to begin booking a desk to use the library reading rooms. Please note that a desk booking is required for each visit.

Reading Room opening hours for readers are Monday to Friday, 09:30–17:00.

Proof of Identity and Address

Once membership has been approved, on their first day of visiting, applicants must provide:

• one proof of identity in its original format; and
• one proof of permanent home address, provided either in hard copy or electronic form. Proof of address must be dated within six months of the application.

Reader Fees

For the 2026 year, the annual membership rates are as follows:

• £50 standard annual rate.
• £25 reduced annual rate for retired or unwaged.
• Fees will be waived for:
  • Current Clergy and other Church Leaders.
  • Those employed in Christian Charity, Mission and/or the Third Sector.
  • Academics, full-time students of Higher Education Institutions, and part-time students of Higher Education Institutions studying a minimum of 15hrs per week.

The fee charged is a flat fee for the calendar year, regardless of month joined.  Any fees payable are only collected once your application has been approved, please do not attempt to pay before your membership has been confirmed.

We do not want the membership fee to be a barrier to serious theological study.  If the cost is likely to cause financial difficulty, please contact the Library as a limited number of bursaries are available.

To apply for membership, please submit the form on this page. We reserve the right to review, accept, or decline applications.  Study desks are limited, so applications may be restricted accordingly