Libraries

Partner organisation - Devon and Exeter Institution (DEI)

The Devon and Exeter Institution is a thriving independent historic library and educational charity in the heart of Exeter, and the premier institution collecting books on Devon, particularly in the fields of history and biography. Its two galleried libraries hold a unique historical book collection, virtually unchanged since 1813. 

The heritage collection includes science, mathematics and engineering, natural history, travel and exploration, art and architecture, music, literature, history, and religion. The collection of bound volumes of local newspapers, some dating from the 18th century, is unique. There are many early illustrated books, maps, prints and drawings and a comprehensive holding of materials relating to the West Country dating from the 16th century. The library also holds a large collection of pamphlets and tracts, as well as long runs of 19th century periodicals.

The contemporary collection consists of publications relating to the history and topography of the West Country, including pamphlets and local journals and newsletters, as well as the reports and transactions of societies and institutions. 
 

The DEI offers a strictly limited number of sponsored memberships for current staff and students of the University of Exeter.  For full details of how to become a member and access its collections, visit the DEI website.
 

DEI library Catalogue

The DEI’s catalogue is hosted by the University of Exeter. To search through the DEI’s collections, go to ‘advanced search’ and narrow the location to ‘Devon and Exeter Institution’ or click here.

Opening hours: 

Tuesdays-  10am to 5pm
Wednesdays– 10am to 5pm
Thursdays– 10am to 5pm
Fridays– 10am to 5pm
Saturdays- 10am-4pm.

For current information including opening across Christmas period please see the DEI website or contact them directly.

library@devonandexeterinstitution.org
office@devonandexeterinstitution.org
membership@devonandexeterinstitution.org

Address and contact details

Address:

Devon and Exeter Institution, 7 Cathedral Close, Exeter EX1 1EZ

Phone:

01392 437044

Email:

library@devonandexeterinstitution.org
office@devonandexeterinstitution.org
membership@devonandexeterinstitution.org

https://devonandexeterinstitution.org/accessibility-information/

Accessibility 
The Institution is committed to improving its accessibility, and we welcome all visitors to our public events. We are very excited to announce that due to our National Lottery Heritage Fund project 'The Next Chapter' we are now able to offer much greater access to our building and collections.

Wheelchair access 
The main entrance to the DEI, (facing the Cathedral), has double doors, and is accessible for most wheelchairs and mobility scooters. From this entrance there is level access to most of the ground floor rooms. A lift has been installed as part of ‘The Next Chapter’ project, making the upstairs Blue Room accessible to wheelchair users for the first time in the history of the Institution.

Parking and drop off
Limited parking is available to Blue Badge holders. This is located at the rear of the building, from Chapel Street. This is also the drop-off point if arriving by car.  Please email office@devonandexeterinstitution.org to arrange a parking space.

Lavatories
There is an accessible lavatory on the ground floor. There is also a baby changing unit. The nearest Changing Places lavatory is adjacent to Lloyds Lounge on Catherine Street.

Defibrillators
The nearest defibrillators are in Bampfylde Lane in the Princesshay Shopping Centre, near Chandos Deli, or outside the entrance of Exeter Central Library.

Sensory information
The library is usually a quiet space, though can be louder during events. A timetable for events can be found on the website. If you require a quieter space, please ask a member of staff.

If sounded, the fire alarm makes a repeated sound of two tones, and flashing lights will go off in the reading room and the lavatories. On an ordinary day, ringing phones and door buzzers might also be heard.

Lighting is soft throughout the building and may be low in certain areas. Task lighting is available for reading and research.

Assistance dogs are welcome, and staff will be happy to provide water for your dog.