Library visitor information

Christmas Holidays

ZSL Library will be open on Friday 20 December 2019 and then close. We will re-open on Monday 13 January 2020.

Season’s greetings from the Library Team.

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday, 9.30am-5.30pm. Please note: From 4 December ZSL Library will be closed on Wednesdays until further notice.

ZSL Library is closed on all public holidays and at weekends.

Access to ZSL Library & Archives

ZSL Library & Archives is open to all, however members of the public must register for a reference ticket (this can be done on the first day that you plan to use the Library). Please refer to 'who can use the Library' for details

Fellows of ZSL and ZSL Members are welcome to use ZSL Library & Archives. Please see 'who can use the Library' for details

If you plan to visit ZSL Library with a group of four or more people, please contact us in advance at library@zsl.org , on 0207 449 6293 or via our online enquiry/feedback form

Library users below the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times when visiting ZSL Library.

Finding ZSL Library & Archives

ZSL Library is in the Zoological Society of London's main office building, situated on the Outer Circle of Regent's Park, approximately 200 yards East of ZSL London Zoo's main gate and adjacent to the ZSL Meeting Rooms.

View map Meeting room map

Library users do not have to enter ZSL London Zoo to use the Library.

ZSL/James Godwin

External view of ZSL Library & Archives and Offices

ZSL Online Library Catalogue

Search the Library catalogue

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.

Visitors may want to view this online catalogue before they visit the library in person.

Find out more about the ZSL online Library catalogue.

Wireless Internet Access

In response to feedback from Fellows and other Library users, 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).

Visitor wireless internet access policy (46.37 KB)

Please ask Library staff for further details when you visit ZSL Library.

Library information for Fellows and Members

Are you a Fellow or a member of ZSL? Find out more about visiting the library and upcoming tours here. 

Important points to note

• applications to consult rare books should be made in advance
• we cannot fetch books and journals from the stacks between 12pm and 2pm
• school students under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult while visiting the library
• please bring your membership card with you when you visit or proof of address and photo identification if you are member of the public visiting the library for the first time.
• ZSL Library is access via two flights of stairs. If you are not able to use the stairs please let us know in advance of your visit so we can provide assistance. We do have to access the Reading Room, the lift is 65cm wide and 120cm deep but if you need to use this, please do contact us in advance.