Seating and desks

The library has a small informal seating space, with tables and chairs for casual study and meetings. There are also four desks with plugs for laptops and four desks with computers.

All space is available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved or held for you in your absence.

Wi-fi

Free wi-fi access is available in Chatham House – see signs around the library, or ask a member of library staff for details.

Computers

There are four computers available for use by members, providing access to the library catalogue, the e-library, the web and Microsoft Office. It is strongly recommended that anyone using the computers brings their own memory stick, or saves their documents remotely, as work cannot be saved on the computers.

If all the computers are taken, and you would like to search the library catalogue or e-library, please speak to a member of staff.

Printing/copying

Printing can be done from the library computers at a cost of 10p per sheet. There is a coin operated photocopier which costs 10p per sheet and prints A4 or A3.

Coffee machine

There is a coffee machine in the library – tea and coffee can be consumed in the library, but please do not bring food in with you.

History of the Library

Chatham House Library was established in 1921, one year after the foundation of the Institute, with donations from the Institute's original members, embassies and international organisations. It is one of the oldest specialist libraries on international affairs in the United Kingdom.

The Library is located in the historic Meston Room. The Meston Room was formed in 1923 from the first floor drawing room and principal bedroom of the eighteenth century house. This was then the largest room in 10 St James's Square and it was here that the members gathered on 9 October 1923 to accept formally the gift of the building to the Institute from Colonel and Mrs Leonard.

The Library was designed by Sir Herbert Baker to retain the original proportions of the Georgian room. It was named the Meston Room in 1943 in recognition of the services of Lord Meston, the first chairman of the Institute's governing Council.