Free places & events.

Opening: Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–6pm. Closed Monday.

Free entry to the Reading Room on level 2, with no purchase or Reader Pass required. Seats are shared; this is a social space rather than a silent library.

Getting inside: Use the accessible door between the revolving doors, then the lift to level 2. Ask staff if you need help finding a seat.

Toilets: Accessible toilets on each floor; Changing Places on level 0.

The catch: Events can affect the room. Mobility devices 75cm wide or more face restrictions: contact the venue first. Frontage works continue, but the main entrance remains in use; the bus stop outside is out of use.

Reading Room · Opening times · Access and facilities · Getting here

Checked 26 September 2026. Due a fresh check; confirm the current details before travelling.

Opening: Monday–Friday, 8am–11pm; weekends, 9am–11pm; bank holidays, 11am–11pm.

The public foyers are free to enter, with seating and space to study or meet. You do not need to buy a café drink.

Getting inside: Use the venue’s step-free wayfinding videos from Moorgate or Farringdon to the Silk Street entrance. Lifts connect foyer levels.

Toilets: An accessible toilet is on the ground floor. Changing Places is in the separate Beech Street cinema building, with a different approach.

The catch: Seating is not reserved and events can make it busy. The Conservatory, membership rooms and ticketed performances have separate arrangements.

Foyer opening hours · Accessible facilities · Routes and wayfinding

Checked 26 September 2026. Due a fresh check; confirm the current details before travelling.

Opening: Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–11pm. Closed Monday.

The public foyers are free. You can bring your own food and soft drinks, and sit, read or meet friends without buying anything.

Getting inside: Use the official step-free Southbank Centre map for the approach and level entrances. Lift refurbishment is under way, so confirm the route you need.

Toilets: Accessible toilets are on every floor. Changing Places has its own opening and key arrangements: check the access page.

The catch: Some foyer areas may close for ticketed events. Use available seats: floor sitting and sleeping are not permitted. Alcohol must be bought on site.

Visitor information · Opening hours · Access and lift works · Step-free maps · TfL step-free station guide

Checked 26 September 2026. Due a fresh check; confirm the current details before travelling.

Announced closures: 12 December 2026; 13 December 2026.

Opening: Check the visitor page for that day’s building hours. The dated closures below override normal opening.

Public desks and Wi-Fi are free to use, with no purchase required. You can bring your own drinks. These spaces are separate from the Reading Rooms.

Getting inside: The Ossulston Street entrance has ramp access. Check the visitor guide for the entrance and facilities you need.

Toilets: Accessible toilets on every floor.

The catch: A desk is not guaranteed. Reading Rooms need a Reader Pass, including for a carer entering those rooms. The whole St Pancras site closes on the dates listed here.

Public desks and Reading Rooms · Visit and access · Dated building closures

Checked 26 September 2026. Due a fresh check; confirm the current details before travelling.