Stuart
Hall Library

About

In light of the government’s new lockdown announcement, Stuart Hall Library is physically closed to the public until further notice.

Follow us on social media to keep up to date with digital library resources and subscribe to Iniva’s newsletter for announcements and programme of events, Research Network talks and Reading Groups (now digital).

The Stuart Hall Library is the intellectual and social hub of Iniva, providing a context for Iniva’s archive and the opportunity to study the institution’s legacy preserving and promoting the work of artists of African and Asian descent born or based in the UK.

The library offers a specialist collection of over 10,000 volumes on the history of contemporary visual art and culture within an international and transnational context, as well as providing critical material on issues of cultural identity. It also runs talks, workshops and events including the Research Network Programme (currently digital)

Search the Catalogue

Books, Journals, zines and audio-visual collections can be searched by author, keyword, title, curator, artist or individual contributor. Find out more about Iniva’s archives collection.

Book a Study Space

Fill in our study space request form 3 days in advance of your visit. Materials on open shelves in the library will not be accessible to browse, so you will need to request items via the form in advance. Please view our online catalogue to explore our collection.

Join Online

Library membership is free and everyone is welcome! Join today by registering online to use our resources. Find out more about our new limited edition Stuart Hall Library membership cards.

What to bring

• Your library membership card. If you haven’t joined, register online and collect your card on your visit.
• A face covering which you must wear in all areas of the library.
• Only essential items e.g. laptops, notebooks etc. Our lockers are closed during this time.
• You may bring a filled bottle of water with you but no food or other drinks.

When you arrive at the library

• Please show your library card to our staff member on the reception desk.
• You’ll be directed to an allocated desk to keep a safe distance between users.
• Your selected items will be on the desk waiting for you.

Safe working conditions

• Wear a face covering in all areas of the library. If you are exempt please let us know.
• Please ensure you wash your hands frequently and use our hand sanitisers where available
• Materials on open shelves in the library will not be accessible to browse. Please return to the reception desk for any requests for more books and items.
• All requested items will be quarantined for 3 days after your visit. This might mean an item you wish to study is unavailable if another user has requested on the same day.
• Please don’t come to the library if you feel unwell. If you’re unable to attend, please let us know at library@iniva.org so we can reallocate your desk so users have the opportunity to attend.
• If you show symptoms of COVID such as a continuous cough, staff may ask you to leave.

Facilities

• Our toilet will be open and cleaned frequently.
• All photocopying requests will be handled by our staff. We will only be accepting card payments for fees at this time.