The National Archives reopens with increased number of seats
The National Archives in Kew (TNA; nationalarchives.gov.uk) has reopened with an increased number of seats after the end of the latest lockdown on 2 December.
TNA said that it has increased the number of available seats in its reading room, which is now open on Saturdays, as well as Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. This is a 150 per cent increase in reading-room places, although all of them must be booked in advance.
It is thought that there were roughly 200 seats available per week in the reading room, after TNA reopened with increased social-distancing measures following the first lockdown in July.
TNA has also increased the daily document-ordering limit from nine to 12, plus three reserves, and introduced a new standby list for reservations.
In an email to visitors, TNA also said that it had increased air circulation in the building, in line with government advice that increased ventilation reduces the risk of airborne spread of Covid-19.
The email said: “This means that our reading rooms are feeling cooler than normal – you may wish to wear a jumper (or two) if you feel the cold.”
It added that the TNA restaurant and shop have now reopened for a limited number of hours each week.