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Library loans, fees and charges

It's free to join libraries and borrow books, but read about our charges for some services such as overdue items and photocopying.

Research, training, advice and talks

Research (where available)

  • Westminster reference library, the first 15 minutes are free then £40 per hour if available
  • Westminster reference library, the first 15 minutes are free then £60 per hour if available (Commercial requests)
  • Archives "Rushed research" and buildings history: £70 and £64 per hour

Archives talks and guided tours

  • at the Archive Centre: £105 plus VAT
  • outside the Archive Centre: £200 plus VAT
  • guided tours of the Archive Centre: £110 plus VAT

Reduced rates for bookings for council, school or adult education use or by Westminster local history societies:

  • at the Archive Centre: £75 plus VAT
  • at the Archive Centre up to 90 mins and for up to 15 people: £80 plus VAT
  • outside the Archive Centre: £120 plus VAT 
  • guided tours of the Archive Centre: £75 plus VAT

Tea, coffee, biscuits, water or juice: £2.20 plus VAT per person per serving

There are reduced rates for archives talks and tours for Westminster City Save card holders.

  • at the Archive Centre: £85 plus VAT
  • outside the Archive Centre: £150 plus VAT
  • guided tours of the Archive Centre: £85 plus VAT

Reduced rates for bookings for council, school or adult education use or by Westminster local history societies:

  • given at the Archive Centre: £60 plus VAT 
  • outside the Archive Centre: £84 plus VAT
  • guided tours of the Archive Centre: £60 plus VAT

Tea, coffee, biscuits, water or juice: £2.20 plus VAT per person per serving

Training, advice, consultancy, talks and reminiscence sessions (beyond statutory service)

Negotiable subject to full cost recovery  

Published: 24 December 2020

Last updated: 30 March 2023