House of Commons Library, Parliamentary library in Palace of Westminster, London, England
The House of Commons Library is a large library complex within the Palace of Westminster featuring high ceilings and spacious rooms along the Thames. The collection holds tens of thousands of printed books and digital materials available for parliamentary work.
The library was founded in 1818, but the original building was destroyed in the 1834 fire. It was rebuilt as part of the new Palace of Westminster and reopened in 1852 in its current form.
The library reflects Parliament's role as a place of debate and serves as a memory of legislation and public affairs. Visitors can observe how Members use the spaces daily to gather information for their work.
Access is generally limited to Members and their staff, but tours of the Palace may provide a view of the spaces. Visitors should check in advance which parts of the Palace are open and how best to plan a visit.
The library team does not just manage books but also produces detailed research studies and reports specifically for Members. These analyses cover current political topics and are prepared with strict neutrality, regardless of personal beliefs.
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