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The reading room is home!

Author
Alison Hilton
Published Date
November 19, 2021
detail of the stained glass peacock window in the reading room at The MERL

We are pleased to announce that we will be re-opening the reading room in its usual space from Tuesday 23rd November 2021.

This means that we will have capacity for up to ten researchers a day, with full access to the books, journals and pamphlets in the open access library.

Opening times will remain the same: Tuesday-Friday, 9.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.00 (we will close for an hour at lunch).

Bookings and requests for material must still be made in advance. Find out how to do so on our reading room page. We recommend visiting this page to familiarise yourself with the most up-to-date procedures to avoid disappointment.

We will have the windows open to provide ventilation (bring extra layers on cold days) and we ask that researchers please continue to wear face coverings throughout their visits.

Thank you for your patience over the last couple of months while essential building work took place. We know that this has caused inconvenience to many of our researchers.

Plan your visit to the reading room.

Author
madeleineding
/
Published Date
March 6, 2026

International Women’s Day 2026: Hidden histories

Discover the stories of three women curators, collectors, and designers in the 20th century.

Handwriting in a farm letter
Author
Joe
/
Published Date
February 25, 2026

Queer histories in the farm records

What can farm records teach us about same-sex relationships? Researcher Tim Jerrome shares his work exploring queer rural experiences.

Exterior of E.M. Barraud's cottage in Cambridgeshire
Author
lottiewood
/
Published Date
February 19, 2026

“I am the farm worker going home at evening”: gender fluidity, rural landscapes, and the Women’s Land Army

Library trainee Lottie Wood reflects on gender fluidity in the work of E. M. Barraud, and Barraud’s reflections on her time in the Women’s Land Army

"Cluttered Countryside." A pastiche of different technologies and activities that disrupt the English countryside - from cars, to petrol stations, to tourism.
Author
Joe
/
Published Date
February 13, 2026

Voices of the Countryside

Explore our new exhibition celebrating 100 years of CPRE, whose vital work protects and maintains rural English spaces.

The MERL building, as viewed from the garden.
Author
Ollie Douglas
/
Published Date
January 5, 2026

What’s coming up in 2026

This year we’re celebrating the organisations, artists and activists who defend the voices and soul of rural England.

Hedgehog extravaganza
Author
Joe
/
Published Date
July 24, 2025

The Friday Walks, with Man in the Woods

In this episode of The MERL podcast, we speak to Bristol-based artist Scott about his artistic practice documenting weird Britain.