Contact and Visitor Information
Visiting our Reading Room
You are welcome to drop in and visit our Reading Room on the first floor. Here you can browse the local history library bookshelves, order archive material, and get help with your research from our friendly and helpful staff.
Our Reading Room's opening times can be found below. You do not need an appointment and most material can be ordered on the day. Please note busier times are generally 12-2pm, and if you are visiting as a larger group please contact us in advance to reserve a reserve table.
Visiting us for the first time? Please complete our online registration form. You will also need to sign-in at the enquiry desk each time you visit, and place all coats and non-transparent bags in one of our free lockers. Pens and food and drink are not allowed in the Reading Room but you are welcome to bring your own notes, pencils, laptops or other devices in a clear plastic bag.
We look forward to your visit.
Christmas openings
Our last day of opening will be Tuesday 23 December 2025. We will re-open on Saturday 3 January 2026 at 10am.
What we need from you
To prepare for your visit to the Reading Room:
- Make sure you have completed our online registration form, where you can familiarise yourself with our Reading Room's rules and regulations.
- Bring along a proof of address, such as a driver's license or utility bill.
- Explore our research guides and online catalogue to get a head start. Our staff will be able to help you faster if you know what you would like to view in advance, especially if you already have a list of reference numbers.
- Email us before your visit if you have any questions.
Contact us
If you have an enquiry you can get in touch with us by:
- Email: localhistory@towerhamlets.gov.uk (monitored Monday to Friday)
- Telephone: 020 7364 1290 (answered during Reading Room opening times, the phone is not answered after 15 minutes before the Reading Room closes)
- Post: Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives, 277 Bancroft Road, London E1 4DQ
You can also subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates, and follow us on social media:
Reading Room opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10am – 4.30pm |
| Wednesday | 10am – 4.30pm |
| Thursday | 10am – 7pm |
| Friday | CLOSED |
| Saturday | 10am – 5pm (1st and 3rd Saturday of the month) |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
Exhibition opening hours
| Monday | 10am – 5pm (closed for lunch between 1pm – 2pm) |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10am – 5pm |
| Wednesday | 10am – 5pm |
| Thursday | 10am – 7pm |
| Friday | 10am – 5pm (closed for lunch between 1pm – 2pm) |
| Saturday | 10am – 5pm (1st and 3rd Saturday of the month) |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
How to find us
25, 205
Stepney GreenMile EndTravel
We are 5 minutes walk from Stepney Green tube station and 10 minutes walk from Mile End tube station.
You can also get the 25 or 205 bus and alight at Queen Mary / University of London.
There are limited pay and display parking spaces in surrounding roads as well as parking spaces for Tower Hamlets resident's permit holders.
Step-free access
There is level access to the ground floor exhibition hall and education room and the Reading Room is accessible via a lift.
There is one accessible, gender neutral toilet on the ground floor.
The first floor currently has only one accessible means of escape in the event of a fire. Disabled visitors or anyone with an impairment that affects their ability to use stairs during an evacuation will be invited to complete a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan with a member of library staff.
Copying and reproduction services
Details on on the supply and use of images from our collections including fees.
Shop
We stock a wide range of excellent books, attractive maps and postcards for sale. You can buy these onsite during your visit or order them via post.