Library and Research Centre

All the books and records in our catalogues may be consulted free of charge at our Library and Research Centre at Watlington House in Reading.

The Library

Following our move to the ground floor of Watlington House, we have now furnished and equipped a dedicated library and research room for visitors.

It provides a peaceful and bright, airy space where you can enjoy reading our books and researching mills and mill people from the wonderful items in our collection. Car parking is easy and we are only 10 minutes walk from Reading Station You do need to make an appointment to be sure one of our volunteers will be there to greet you.

We have also created an online Library catalogue where you can check the range of books available before you visit us. If you cannot make the trip, check our continually updated list of books for sale as we stock many important mill books, which are surplus to requirements and have been donated to raise funds.

The Archive

The Mills Archive has in excess of 1 million records in its care from more than 50 collections. All catalogued items may be consulted free of charge at our library and research centre in Reading.

You can search or browse the Archive catalogue before you come. You may find there is sufficient detail in our catalogue information and scans to save you a trip!