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Upcoming closures
The BFI Reuben Library will be closed on the following dates due to BFI London Film Festival events and activity:
- Saturday 3 October
- Wednesday 7 October
- Saturday 10 October
- Saturday 17 October
We apologise for any inconvenience these closures may cause. Find out more about BFI London Film Festival library events.
How to find us
Our address is BFI Reuben Library, BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London, SE1 8XT.
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.
Opening hours
We’re open Tuesday to Saturday: 11am to 7pm. We’re closed on Sunday and Monday.
We are closed on all public holidays. There are occasional venue closures during the year. Check this page or contact us before making a special journey.
Access information
Our library desk is equipped with a hearing loop system, and we offer 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 collections are available to everyone, free of charge. Most library materials can be accessed on the day of your visit, while items held in storage can be requested in advance.
To find out where an item is located, search the catalogue using BFI Collections Search. If you’re unsure, a member of the Library & Learning team will be happy to help.
Library materials are held in three locations:
Reading Room shelves (BFI Southbank)
Materials on the Reading Room shelves are available immediately and do not need to be requested in advance.
Closed-access storage (BFI Southbank)
Materials held in closed-access storage are retrieved by library staff and are usually available on the same day of your visit.
Multimedia Vault (BFI Conservation Centre)
Materials held off-site in the Multimedia Vault require advance notice and may take up to 10 working days to be delivered.
If you would like to request material from storage before your visit, please complete our advance request form.
If you’re unsure where an item is located, check BFI Collections Search or include a note on your advance request form and a member of the Library & Learning team will be happy to assist.
Contact us for general enquires and planning your research.
Our terms of use
- You are welcome to reserve a research desk online or through the BFI Box Office before your visit, although booking is not compulsory. We welcome drop-in visitors throughout our opening hours and recommend arriving early to help ensure a desk is available.
- Researchers are welcome to browse the reading room shelves during their visit. To help us maintain accurate records of material use, please leave any items you have consulted on the red trolley by the library desk.
- To access books, journals, or other materials from our closed-access stacks, you will be asked to complete a registration card.
- You can request materials in advance through our online request form. You can use the BFI Collections Search for accurate reference and location information before submitting your request.
- Keep your personal belongings with you at all times and avoid leaving them unattended. We ask that bags are stored neatly under your desk to prevent obstruction and help maintain a safe environment for all visitors.
We look forward to welcoming you. If you have any questions before your visit, please contact us.