Visiting the BFI Reuben Library | BFI
Source: https://www.bfi.org.uk/bfi-reuben-library/visiting-library
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:20
Visiting the BFI Reuben Library | BFI
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Visiting the library
The BFI Reuben Library is open to everyone and is free – whether you're researching our collections or are just interested in finding out more, you can find us in the main foyer at BFI Southbank.
Temporary notice
The public research terminals in the BFI Reuben Library reading room are currently experiencing technical issues that may cause them to crash intermittently. Access to our databases is still available, but you may encounter occasional disruptions. We are working to resolve the problem as quickly as possible and appreciate your patience in the meantime.
Library closure
The
BFI
Reuben Library will be closed on Saturday 2 May due to
UK
Asian Film Festival (
UKAFF
) 2026. See the
New Writings from the
UK
Asian Film Festival
event and find
information on the wider films and events in the
UKAFF
programme
.
How to find us
Address
BFI
Reuben Library
BFI
Southbank
Belvedere Road
South Bank
London
SE1
8XT
Opening hours
Tuesday to Saturday: 11am to 7pm
Closed Sunday and Monday
We are closed on all public holidays. There are occasional venue closures during the year. Please check this page or
contact us
before making a special journey.
Book a research session
Our terms of use
you are welcome to pre-book a research session via Box Office or
online
. Sessions run from 11am to 7pm, but we recommend you arrive as early as possible to make sure you get a desk
you do not need to book and can drop in at any time during library opening hours
we will ask you to complete a registration card if you want to use any books, journals or other materials
our secure lockers are currently unavailable. We hope to reintroduce lockers for library users next year
please look after your personal belongings and do not leave them unattended. Ensure any bags are safely stowed under your desk and no a trip hazard for others
browsing of the library shelves is permitted, but we ask you to be mindful of others’ personal space as you do so. We encourage you to order materials in advance of your visit, using our
request form
study desks are not distanced, but please be considerate of your fellow researchers’ personal space and boundaries when moving about the library
the library is deep cleaned every night; hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes are available at the library desk for your use
Find out information about
accessing
BFI
Southbank
.
We look forward to welcoming you again soon. If you’d like to speak with one of our library team before your visit please
contact us
.
Access information
Our library desk is fitted with a hearing induction loop system, and we have a range of assistive equipment for blind and partially-sighted researchers.
Contact us
to discuss your access requirements.
For further information about access please also visit the
BFI
Southbank access information page
.
Search the collections
Our extensive collection is available to all, free of charge. Most items can be accessed on the day of your visit, and items held in storage can be requested in advance.
Complete an advance request form
for any library material held in storage. A minimum of one day’s notice is required for items held in our Closed Access Stack at
BFI
Southbank. For items held at the
BFI
Conservation Centre, please allow up to 10 working days for delivery.
Material held in the library’s Reading Room doesn’t need to be requested in advance. If you are unsure of an item’s location, please add a note to your advance request form and a member of the library team will try to assist you.
Contact us
for general enquires and planning your research.
Search the collections
Using the library
Accessing and requesting library material
Most items can be accessed on the day, and items held in storage can be requested in advance.
Read this page
Copying library material
Detail of copying services, restrictions and copyright.
Read this page
Library group visits
We welcome visits from schools, colleges, universities, and community groups.
Read this page
House rules for library visitors
Help us preserve and protect our collections by following these simple rules.
Read this page
Lost property
Any personal items left in the library or the library lockers at the end of the day are passed to
BFI
Southbank security. The security office is situated opposite the entrance to
NFT2
.
Telephone:
020 7815 1355
Skip to content
Visiting the library
The BFI Reuben Library is open to everyone and is free – whether you're researching our collections or are just interested in finding out more, you can find us in the main foyer at BFI Southbank.
Temporary notice
The public research terminals in the BFI Reuben Library reading room are currently experiencing technical issues that may cause them to crash intermittently. Access to our databases is still available, but you may encounter occasional disruptions. We are working to resolve the problem as quickly as possible and appreciate your patience in the meantime.
Library closure
The
BFI
Reuben Library will be closed on Saturday 2 May due to
UK
Asian Film Festival (
UKAFF
) 2026. See the
New Writings from the
UK
Asian Film Festival
event and find
information on the wider films and events in the
UKAFF
programme
.
How to find us
Address
BFI
Reuben Library
BFI
Southbank
Belvedere Road
South Bank
London
SE1
8XT
Opening hours
Tuesday to Saturday: 11am to 7pm
Closed Sunday and Monday
We are closed on all public holidays. There are occasional venue closures during the year. Please check this page or
contact us
before making a special journey.
Book a research session
Our terms of use
you are welcome to pre-book a research session via Box Office or
online
. Sessions run from 11am to 7pm, but we recommend you arrive as early as possible to make sure you get a desk
you do not need to book and can drop in at any time during library opening hours
we will ask you to complete a registration card if you want to use any books, journals or other materials
our secure lockers are currently unavailable. We hope to reintroduce lockers for library users next year
please look after your personal belongings and do not leave them unattended. Ensure any bags are safely stowed under your desk and no a trip hazard for others
browsing of the library shelves is permitted, but we ask you to be mindful of others’ personal space as you do so. We encourage you to order materials in advance of your visit, using our
request form
study desks are not distanced, but please be considerate of your fellow researchers’ personal space and boundaries when moving about the library
the library is deep cleaned every night; hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes are available at the library desk for your use
Find out information about
accessing
BFI
Southbank
.
We look forward to welcoming you again soon. If you’d like to speak with one of our library team before your visit please
contact us
.
Access information
Our library desk is fitted with a hearing induction loop system, and we have a range of assistive equipment for blind and partially-sighted researchers.
Contact us
to discuss your access requirements.
For further information about access please also visit the
BFI
Southbank access information page
.
Search the collections
Our extensive collection is available to all, free of charge. Most items can be accessed on the day of your visit, and items held in storage can be requested in advance.
Complete an advance request form
for any library material held in storage. A minimum of one day’s notice is required for items held in our Closed Access Stack at
BFI
Southbank. For items held at the
BFI
Conservation Centre, please allow up to 10 working days for delivery.
Material held in the library’s Reading Room doesn’t need to be requested in advance. If you are unsure of an item’s location, please add a note to your advance request form and a member of the library team will try to assist you.
Contact us
for general enquires and planning your research.
Search the collections
Using the library
Accessing and requesting library material
Most items can be accessed on the day, and items held in storage can be requested in advance.
Read this page
Copying library material
Detail of copying services, restrictions and copyright.
Read this page
Library group visits
We welcome visits from schools, colleges, universities, and community groups.
Read this page
House rules for library visitors
Help us preserve and protect our collections by following these simple rules.
Read this page
Lost property
Any personal items left in the library or the library lockers at the end of the day are passed to
BFI
Southbank security. The security office is situated opposite the entrance to
NFT2
.
Telephone:
020 7815 1355