Welcome to Gladstone's Library - Gladstone's Library

Welcome to Gladstone's Library - Gladstone's Library
Welcome to Gladstone’s Library
Gladstone’s Library: Your Place To Think…Since 1894.
Gladstone’s Library is the UK’s finest residential library, with 26 bedrooms, an on-site restaurant and a comfortable guest lounge. It is the UK’s only Prime Ministerial library, built following a bequest from four times Prime Minister of Great Britain, William Ewart Gladstone.
Our world-famous Reading Rooms house thousands of books, including items from Gladstone’s own personal library, and offer protected study spaces in which to read, think and work. They are accessible to registered Readers, Researchers and residents. It is free to
become a Reader
and work within the Reading Rooms.
The current building, raised in 1902 and designed by John Douglas, was funded by public subscription. It is home to unique archival collections, making it a destination for scholars from across the globe. Gladstone’s Library is a self-sustaining registered charity; every booking and donation made helps maintain the Grade I listed building and the collections it protects.
Roof & building restoration work at Gladstone’s Library
October 2025 to May 2026
Planned restoration work at the Library is scheduled to continue from early January to late May 2026.
There may be some disruption, scaffolding, additional noise, and limited parking onsite.
Thank you for your patience during this time. Please visit our News page and follow our social media channels for regular updates throughout the project. Relevant announcements will be shared with residential guests in advance of their stay.
Latest News
A warm welcome from the Warden – Revd. Dr Andrea Russell
I hope you find the information you are looking for here on our website. We are a unique place – the UK’s only Prime Ministerial Library and the finest residential Library. People come to the Library for many reasons – to read, write and rest; to research and retreat; to meet friends and colleagues or to have some time alone; to attend a course, an event or simply to have lunch!  We offer places for silence and conversation; for prayer and discussion; for learning and reflection.
In a complex and uncertain world, we offer a place to dig deeper, to be still, to learn new things and be reminded of the wisdom of the past. We also offer good food, beautiful surroundings and a team who are constantly praised for their helpfulness, professionalism and kindness.
Whatever your reason for visiting the Library, be assured of a warm welcome.
Opening Times
The Library is open seven days a week.
You can contact our Reception with any enquiries from 8am to 5pm.
Call on 01244 532 350 or email
[email protected]
.
How to find us
Our Reading Rooms
The Reading Rooms are accessible to registered Readers and Researchers from 9am to 5pm, and the Theology Room is accessible to residents until 10pm.
Discover more
Our Restaurant
Our
Food for Thought
restaurant is open to the public from 10am to 5pm. Cakes and drinks are available during that time.
Lunch is served between 12noon and 2pm.
Food for Thought restaurant
Our Accommodation
The Library has 26 quirky bedrooms that are the perfect getaway for from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Book a stay
Rest…
Stay in one of our restful bedrooms
Dine…
Eat at our Food for Thought Restaurant
Meet…
Book one of our meeting rooms
Upcoming events at the Library…
3 events found.
List of events in Photo View
Apr
23
SOLD OUT The Six-Month Writing Course with Kit de Waal
27 February
-
12 July
£364.00 – £694.00
Apr
24
Weekend: In the Company of Readers
24 April
-
26 April
£100.00
Apr
24
April 2026 – Friday Glimpse
11:30 am
-
12:00 pm
£7.00
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