Welcome to the British Caving Library

The British Caving Library is a national research and reference library based in the Peak District, staffed by a qualified librarian. It is funded by the British Caving Association (BCA) and the British Cave Research Association (BCRA) and run by the BCRA on behalf of all cavers.

The BCL is your library, if you have an interest in caving, cave science and related areas.

It is for you whether you are a member of BCA or just a member of the public with a general interest in caves and caving.

It is for you whether you are based in the UK or abroad.

Services and materials include

Library Location

The library is based on two sites; one is in the Matlock Local Studies Library, in County Hall, Matlock; and the other at Glutton Bridge, Derbyshire. The material at Matlock is mainly from Britain and Europe, whilst Glutton Bridge has the rest of the world. Details of opening times and the location of the two sites can be obtained by clicking on the menu buttons labelled "How to find us".

Charges

This facility is paid for by members of the BCA, and there is no charge for reasonable use by members of the association for the librarian's time, photocopying and postage, although the librarian may need to make a charge if an enquiry is unusually large.

Non-members may browse and use the facilities for free by prior arrangement with the librarian, and one hour of the librarian's time is available at no charge. Additional time will be charged at £15 per hour. Photocopying and printouts will be charged at 10p a sheet for black and white A4 sheets, and 50p for colour A4 sheets. The librarian can advise on costs before undertaking any work, so please contact her before submitting your request.