The Library's Reading Room is open to the general adult public between 11am and 4pm from Monday to Wednesday. Visits at other times may be arranged by appointment. The Library is operated as a reference library therefore no books can be removed from it.
The Reading Room offers a wide selection of material covering Royal Naval history and biography, warships, shipbuilding, models, life at sea and associated subjects. The Reading Room also holds books and documents relating to Chatham Dockyard. The Archive Room contains books, drawings, photographs and archive papers which may be consulted by bona fide researchers by arrangement with the Librarian or the Curator.
The Royal Dockyard Library and Archive can offer guidance to family researchers looking for records relating to naval officers or ratings and it can offer assistance in interpreting such information. The naval records are held by the Ministry Of Defence and by the National Archives.
Many of the records of former dockyard employees have not survived but the Library and Archive can often assist in enquiries in this area and can offer guidance for further searching. The Library has links with local historical research groups. The Library and Archive is unable to undertake detailed research for individuals but is happy to offer advice and guidance and such advice is free of charge.
