Planning A Visit

Admission

Admission is free, but a reader's ticket is required (see below).
We regret that children under 6 cannot be admitted, and children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusive must be accompanied by an adult.

Reserving a place

We ask you to book a place in advance to make sure that the records and facilities you need are available. We can take reservations during the office's opening hours, including Thursday evenings, and also on Monday afternoons between 2.00 and 4.30 pm. For contact details please see the Contact us page.

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 lockers provided (they are free) for all your bags and belongings (except the paper and pencils you require for working) to be kept secure during the day.

Reader's Ticket

The reader's ticket, issued by one of the member offices in the County Archive Research Network (CARN), is required at Berkshire Record Office. A ticket may be issued to anyone not already holding one on production of an official piece of identification, giving name, address and signature, e.g. driving licence, or pension/allowance book, or a bank/credit card plus an official communication with your address printed (e.g. gas or electricity bill, bank statement). We can issue you with a ticket when you arrive if you do not already have one.

Pencils Only

Please bring pencils to take notes with, as we do not allow the use of pens.

Copying Documents

Some documents may be reproduced by photocopier or microfilm/microfiche printout. However, certain documents, which are too large or will be damaged by the process, including all manuscript and some printed volumes, cannot be copied. Arrangements can be made for most documents which cannot be photocopied to be photographed. Please enquire for details. Please hand in all orders for copies half an hour before closing time to allow staff to check them and take payment.

Record Office Facilities

We regret that there are no canteen facilities available on the premises, although there is a drinks machine, and space to eat a packed lunch in our reception area or, in fine weather, in the grounds. The nearest shop is at a BP filling station two minutes away. Several pubs and Reading's pedestrianised shopping centre with a range of eating options are 5-10 minutes' walk away.

Disabled Access

All public rooms, including the search room, are situated on the ground floor and are fully accessible to those with disabilities. Disabled parking is available onsite, and we also have a disabled toilet and a payphone accessible to wheelchair users.

Overnight Accommodation

Please view the Reading Tourist Information website at www.readingtourism.org.uk.

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 (e.g. wheelchair access)

When you come, please bring:
        * your CARN ticket or appropriate ID
        * please bring pencils to take notes with, as we do not allow the use of pens