The Steps
Art and design books can be found shelved in the sides of The Steps, our mini-amphitheatre which can be booked for talks, discussion or presentations.
The Library
Welcome to the library. Open to all visiting RSA House
Opening hours
The library is open Monday – Friday,
8:00am – 8pm.
It is closed on bank holidays and between Christmas and New Year.
Located on level -2 of RSA House, the library features quiet reading areas, free Wi-Fi, curated selections linked to RSA research and events, and a contemporary collection of books and journals. The library catalogue is also accessible online.
Contact the Library
Our librarian, Anna Bozic, would be happy to help you.
Anna is available Tuesdays to Thursdays,10:00am – 6:00pm.
Phone: +44 (0)20 7451 6945
Email: library@rsa.org.uk
Borrow a book
Explore over 6,000 books and journals spanning everything from philosophy to design and social change accessible through our online catalogue.
The Library spaces
Apart from the main Library Hub where you can find the librarian and which holds books covering philosophy and the social sciences, we have 3 other library spaces.
Tim Eyles Room
The Tim Eyles Room is adjacent to The Steps, and contains books about art and design, architecture, photography, literature and history.
Long Gallery
The Long Gallery containing a mural depicting the history of the RSA by Andrew Park, best known for our RSA Animates. Subject areas in this room include politics, economics, education, the natural sciences, management and technology.
Borrowing from the library
Fellows
RSA Fellowship includes use of the library and borrowing rights. Fellows will need to register first to use the library. If it is your first visit to the library, you will need your Fellowship number but you can fill in a self-issue form and borrow straightaway.
Non-Fellows
Visitors who are not Fellows are welcome to use the library. You will need to fill in a registration form and provide two forms of identification, including one form of photo ID and proof of address. For more information please email the library.
Join our community
Apply for Fellowship to be part of a community that inspires better ways of thinking, acting and delivering change.
Did you know?
Fellows have nicknamed the Library ‘the Cellar of Wisdom’.
Library users are entitled to:
- Borrow up to five books for a three week loan period.
- Renew their loans up to five times provided no one else has reserved the item/s.
- Renew and request items by logging into their library account.
When the library is unstaffed you can use the self-issue computer on the library desk to issue and return items, or alternatively there are paper self-issue forms located on the library service counter. Please leave returned items on the book trolley.
We do not charge fines for overdue books, however library users who do not return their loans on time will be unable to check out further books until the overdue material is returned. If books are damaged or not returned you will be liable for the cost of replacing them.
Donations
The library welcomes donations of subject material relevant to the collection. As physical space within the library is limited, we have to be selective regarding what materials we are able to accept as donations. Our Library committee meets on a quarterly basis to examine donated items to ensure they meet the same criteria as for purchased books.
Book Suggestions
We welcome suggestions for new titles to be added to the library collection. Please email the library to recommend a book. Suggestions can be fiction or non-fiction that support the mission and work of the RSA. As the RSA library is relatively small and operates on a limited budget limitations, submitted titles are reviewed by our Library Committee.
What else can you do at RSA House?
The Coffee House
The Coffee House features a collection of welcoming, flexible spaces, and offers quality coffees, organic tea, and deliciously crafted, home-made lunch options.
Muse at RSA House
At Muse, step into an elegant space that blends history with innovation – serving sustainable, regenerative British cocktails.
Art Exhibitions
Explore the art exhibitions and showcases currently on at RSA House. Each show is in a different location, and the opening times vary.
