ZSL Library Collection

The Zoological Society of London's Library contains a unique collection of journals and books on zoology and animal conservation

The Library is open Monday-Friday, 9.30am-5.30pm. The Library is closed on all public holidays and at weekends.

Book of Zoo photographs launched with signings

Search the Library catalogue

Founded in 1826, ZSL Library is one of the major zoological libraries in the world and is open to all. For access details please see 'Who can use the Library?'

Library

The Library contains a wide range of books and journals on all types of animals and their conservation. It has:

more than 200,000 volumes
5,000 journal titles, 1,300 of which are current
free wireless internet access
photocopying facilities
archives of ZSL
books dating from 16th century to the present, ranging from popular to technical
holdings located on-site
modern books on open access in our Reading Room
special collection relating to information on zoos
friendly service from specialist library staff.

	Search our catalogue: ZSL Library Catalogue The ZSL Library Catalogue can be viewed online with details of all serial holdings - most-pre-1860 books and books published from 1993 onwards can be found. If you experience any problems with the catalogue please contact us Details of other books can be found in our card catalogue in the Reading Room. Find out more about the ZSL Library Catalogue
	Free Wi-Fi is available in ZSL Library Free wireless internet access is now available in ZSL Library. To connect your laptop to the wireless network you simply need to request a password from the Library desk (the password will be changed on a weekly basis). Wireless Internet Access Policy and Procedure (46 KB) Please ask Library staff for further details when you next visit ZSL Library.
	Discover the May 2013 artefact 160 years since the opening of the Fish House at ZSL London Zoo, the first public aquarium
	Celebrate the Bicentenary of Edward Lear We celebrate the bicentenary of Edward Lear's birth on 12 May with an online display of his watercolours.
	Gallery of extinct species The ZSL Library contains an extensive collection of literature concerning animals and their conservation. Many of these publications contain amazing illustrations, this is just a very small selection of images of extinct species from some of the printed books in the Library.
	Brian Houghton Hodgson manuscripts at ZSL Brian Houghton Hodgson (1800-1894), Himalayan zoologist. Find and out more about these important manuscripts and beautiful drawings.
	Historic big cat enclosures at ZSL London Zoo View some pictures of historic big cat enclosures at ZSL London Zoo as we celebrate the opening of Tiger Territory