Frequently Asked Questions

Who can use the library?
What are the opening hours?
How can I consult the library collection?
How do I become a member of the library?
How many items can I borrow and for how long?
Is it possible to renew items?
Are there any books in the library in other languages apart from Spanish, for example English?
Can I borrow books from other libraries?
What should I do if I cannot find the information I am looking for in the library?
Does the library organise guided tours for groups?

Who can use the library?

Anybody who would like to; the library offers free access to its facilities. However, if you would like to borrow items from the library you will need to become a member.

What are the opening hours?

From Tuesday to Thursday 1.30pm to 7pm
Fridays 1.30pm a 6pm
Saturdays: 9.30am to 2pm
Sundays and Mondays: Closed

How can I consult the library collection?

You can do this from any computer with internet access, go to Library Catalogue. The library collection is updated on a daily basis.

How do I become a member of the library?

Please provide a photocopy of a bill with proof of your address and pay the annual subscription: General public: £30 (or £20 for six months) - Institutions: £50 - Full-time students: £20 (or £15 for six months) - Instituto Cervantes students, children and pensioners: free.

How many items can I borrow and for how long?

Individual members can borrow a maximum of: 5 items from the general collection (books, audio material and slides), 3 videos, CDs or CD-Roms from the audiovisual collection, for a period of two weeks. Items from the audiovisual collection cannot be renewed. Institutions associated with the library can borrow a maximum of 6 videos, DVDs, or CD-Roms, and 10 items from the general collection, for a period of three weeks.

Is it possible to renew items?

Books and Cds from the general collection can be renewed twice for the same amount of time as long as they have not been reserved by another user and they are not overdue. Items can be renewed in the library or on-line Library Catalogue.

Can I borrow books from other libraries?

Yes, with our interlibrary lending system, you can request items that are available in any Spanish library.

Are there any books in the library in other languages apart from Spanish, for example English?

The library is gradually including books in Catalan, Galician and Basque. Regarding English, there is a wide selection of works and translations into English which are related to the Spanish language and the Hispanic culture.

What should I do if I cannot find the information I am looking for in the library?

The library offers an information service to deal with any queries related to its area of expertise. In addition to this, our staff will also help you to obtain copies or the originals of materials which belong to other libraries or documentation centres.

Does the library organise guided tours for groups?

The library's member of staff are at your disposal to help with any query regarding the use of the library, access to its collection and services. Guided tours for groups can be organised by prior arrangement. You can also contact us by telephone(020 7201 0757) or by email: biblon@cervantes.es