The Alpine Club, the world’s first mountaineering club, was founded in 1857.  For over 150 years, members have been at the leading edge of worldwide mountaineering development and exploration. 

With membership, experienced and aspiring alpinists benefit from a varied meets programme, regional lectures with notable guest speakers, reduced rates at many alpine huts, opportunity to apply for grants to support expeditions, significant discounts at many UK retailers, extensive networking contacts, access to the AC Library and maps - and more! 

Becoming a Member
 

  

We are very pleased to announce that the Alpine Club Library is due to begin a phased re-opening. The library has been open to online enquiries during lockdown, but from 18 May we will be resuming some levels of normal service. In addition to online enquires we will offer a Click & Collect service, and will offer a booking system for in-person visits.

Online Enquiries

We are happy to receive enquiries via email. Queries can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 
 
Renewals can also be managed remotely via email sent to the librarian. We will aim to respond to your enquiry within seven working days.
 

Click and Collect

In addition to in-person visits to the library we will also be offering a “Click and Collect” service. Readers may request up to three books to be collected between Tuesdays 12:30-5:30pm and Wednesdays 12:30-5:30pm. Requests should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 12 noon on the Monday before collection.
 
If you make a Click and Collect booking you will not be able to browse the library.
 
When you come to collect your order, please wear a face covering and maintain social distancing. If you are self-isolating, you can nominate someone to use the click and collect service on your behalf. Please contact the librarian to arrange this.
 
Please do not return books to the library by post. At present, we cannot guarantee that we will have staff available to receive them.
 

Visiting the library

Before Your Visit
 
In-person use of the library will resume on a part-time basis from Tuesday 18th May. The library will be operating on reduced hours and will be open Tuesdays 11am-5:30pm and Wednesdays 11am -5:30pm. All readers must book a timed visit in advance by emailing the librarian with details of their proposed visit, their full-name and contact details for Track & Trace to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 
 
Numbers will be restricted to two readers at a time. If demand is higher we will operate a waiting list.
 
Cancelling a Booking
 
We are committed to ensuring fair access to the library. If you can no longer make an appointment, we ask for a minimum of 24 hours’ notice so we can offer the slot to other readers on the waiting list.
 
COVID-19 Precautions
 
All readers are strongly encouraged to take a lateral flow test before visiting the library. Free tests can be ordered from the Gov.uk website and give results within 30 minutes.
 
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, have received a positive test result, or have received a notification from NHS Track & Trace please stay at home.
 
During Your Visit
 
Please keep a two-metre distance from other library users at all times. Please be aware that some of the library spaces are confined. Be aware of others as you move around the space.
 
You must wear a face covering over your nose and mouth at all times during your visit, including when seated at a desk. If you are medically exempt, please let us know when you make your booking, to avoid being disturbed during your visit. We will not ask for details of the reasons for the exemption.
 
Wash your hands at regular intervals when handling books and collections. Several washrooms are available throughout the building. A hand sanitising station is set up at the entrance to the library. The station will also contain materials to enable you to wipe down your work station before and after use.
 
If you need a member of staff to remove their face covering while talking to you, please ask, we will be happy to help.
 
After Your Visit

If you test positive for COVID-19 or develop symptoms after your visit please let us know immediately by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..