Planning A Visit

Admission

Admission is free to all, though please ask if you wish to bring a child under 6, and we recommend that children under 11 are accompanied by an adult.

Reserving a place

Please book a place in advance to ensure that the records and facilities you need are available, and to avoid disappointment. We can take reservations during the office's opening hours and also on Mondays. We keep reservations for up to 2 hours after the estimated time of arrival. Please notify us if you will not be taking up a place you have reserved.

On Arrival

Please check in at reception and sign the visitors’ book in recognition of the rules of the office. You will be asked to use the free lockers provided for any bags, coats or other substantial belongings.

Reader's Ticket

A reader's ticket issued by the County Archive Research Network (CARN) is required at the Record Office. We can issue you with a ticket if you do not have one - please bring official piece(s) of identification, with name, address and signature, e.g. driving licence; pension/benefit book; bank/credit card together with a utility bill or bank statement.

Pencils Only

Pens can mark documents, so please bring pencils to take notes with.

Copying Documents

Some documents may be reproduced by photocopier or microform printout. However, documents which are too large or may be damaged by this, including all manuscript and some printed volumes, cannot be copied. Documents which cannot be photocopied may be photographed. Please enquire for details. When on site please hand in all orders for copies a minimum of half an hour before closing time, in order to allow staff to check them and take payment.

Using Documents

There are a variety of catalogues and indexes for public use, which provide references from which documents are ordered up for consultation.

Many documents are available on microform in the searchroom. We ask you to use film or fiche even if we have the originals, in order to protect them from over-handling and damage. Requests for original documents from the strongrooms are collected throughout the day. There is a maximum of 5 items at a time and there is a last collection time of 4.15pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8.00pm on Thursday evenings and 3.30pm on Fridays. We aim to get your documents to you as soon as possible, but within a maximum time of 45 minutes. There is a reduced service during the lunch period between 12.00 and 2.00pm. If you know the references of documents you wish to see in advance, we can have up to 3 of these ready for you when you arrive.

Information about what we hold is free; research can be carried out on your behalf, but a fee is payable. Please see the Research & Enquiries page for more details.

Record Office Facilities

Drinks and snacks are on sale in our reception area, and we have space to eat a packed lunch there or in the grounds. The nearest shop is a petrol station 2 minutes' walk away. Several pubs and the town centre with a range of eating options are 5-10 minutes' walk away.

Access

All the public rooms are on the ground floor of the building. We also have facilities for those with disabilities and a low level payphone. Parking is available onsite.

Overnight Accommodation

Please view the Reading Tourist Information website at www.readingtourism.org.uk, or tel: 0118 956 6226.

Checklist for planning a visit

Before you come, please contact us to:

• check that we have what you need for your research
• book a seat
• order documents in advance of your visit
• let us know of any special needs

When you come, please bring:

• your CARN ticket or appropriate ID
• a pencil

We look forward to seeing you.