The Chris Mead Library

BTO’s Chris Mead Library contains one of the finest collections of books on birds and the science of ornithology anywhere in the world.

The Library has four key focus areas:

  • British and Irish ornithology
  • County and local materials including Bird Reports
  • The ornithology of the Western Palaearctic, Africa, and the rest of the world
  • Ornithological and other relevant scientific journals 

Explore the Catalogue

Find out more about the history of the Library and its development since 1936. Please also read our guidance if you’re considering donating a book of special ornithological value to us.

Read more about our collections, and our commitment to sharing these, in our policies:

Visiting the Library

The Chris Mead Library is situated in the chapel of the old Nunnery at BTO Headquarters in Thetford and is normally open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Everyone with an interest in ornithology is welcome, but as space is limited, please email library@bto.org or phone us on +44 (0)1842 750050 to arrange your visit.

  • Wheelchair access and facilities are available, and there is lift access to the Library.
  • There is a free car park for visitors.
  • Library Access Policy

Getting here

Why is BTO’s Library named after Chris Mead?

The library was named in memory of Chris Mead, one of BTO’s greatest ornithologists, in August 2006.

Read more about Chris Mead’s legacy

Borrowing from the Library

BTO and Garden BirdWatch members can borrow up to three items for a maximum of three months.

We can post borrowed books to members, and these will be sent with a slip indicating the date by which they should be returned.

Explore the Catalogue

If you're not a member yet, it’s quick and easy to join. Become a Garden Birdwatch member or a full BTO member today.

Borrowing by post and overseas

Please note that members borrowing books by post will be required to cover the cost of outbound postage, with an invoice being enclosed with the book.

This should be paid on receipt by bank transfer within 30 days of the date on the invoice.

  • Items on loan are not permitted to be taken overseas.
  • We're not able to lend to members living overseas.

BTO Library, The Nunnery (Thetford): a quiet and relaxing place to read and research.

Donating books to the library

Please read our guidance if you’re considering donating a book of special ornithological value to us.

Information for publishers about book reviews

BTO staff reviews of new releases can be found in the Book Reviews section of our website and in our members’ magazine, BTO News.

Publishers are welcome to contact us via library@bto.org about reviewing material that falls within one of the focus areas of the Chris Mead Library:

  • British and Irish ornithology.
  • County and local materials such as bird reports.
  • The ornithology of the Western Palaearctic, Africa, and the rest of the world.
  • Ornithological and other relevant scientific journals.

Please see our Collections policy for more information about our acquisitions process:

Contact the Library and Archives

The Chris Mead Library and the Archives are normally open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Everyone with an interest in ornithology is welcome, but space is limited so please contact us first to arrange your visit.

A lift and wheelchair access and facilities are available, and there’s also a free car park for visitors.

By email:

By phone:

Getting here

  • British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU

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