After much careful consideration and in response to the latest Government advice, we have decided to close the Reading Room until further notice. We remain available to answer enquiries about the collection and to assist with your research, via the form below.

open bookThe Reading Room is open by appointment throughout the year to anyone who would like to consult the library collections of women’s writing, free of charge.

The main collection focuses on women’s literature in English during the period 1600-1830, including rare early editions and some unique books. The collection can be explored using our online catalogue. This is temporarily unavailable whilst we move to a new system, but will be back online shortly.

The Reading Room can be opened, by appointment, Monday to Thursday, 11:00 –13:30 and 14:00 – 16:00. Anyone wishing to use the Reading Room should contact Chawton House using the enquiry form below. Please note that we require four working days’ notice in order to host your visit.

More information about using the Reading Rooms can be found in the Information for Readers sheet [PDF, 70KB].

Reader’s Application Form

Please complete the following Library Visit Enquiry Form if you are interested in reading at Chawton House.

Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are compulsory.

Your name:*

Email:*

Phone number:*

Reason for visit (e.g. MA student, personal interest):*

Topic of research:*

Name of your educational establishment or organisation*:

Title(s) and copy number(s) of the materials you wish to access.
These are listed in our online catalogue:*

Date and time of visit.*
Please note, we require four working days' notice:

First choice:

Second choice:

Do you have any specific requirements that Chawton House Library should be aware of?*

Any other comments:*

in line with the website's Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy.