Opening Times and Location
Tuesday – Thursday: 10.00am – 2.00pm
Friday – Sunday: Closed
Special opening hours may apply during public holidays, events, or scheduled closures. Users will be notified in advance via email or the Serendipity website.
Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage is based at:
8 Bowling Green Street, Leicester, LE1 6AT
Accessing the Living Archive
Access to the Living Archive is by appointment only. To book an appointment, please call 0116 482 1394 or email info@serendipity-uk.com.
Items not permitted in the room must be placed in one of the lockers that are free to use. The lockers are not suitable for the storage of suitcases. Please notify Serendipity before your visit if you will have a suitcase that will need to be stored.
The following are not permitted when consulting archival material:
- Pens
- Pencils with erasers
- Food
- Drink
- Coats
- Bags
- Umbrellas
You can have three archive items out at a time.
Please follow the handling advice provided by Serendipity staff.
Photography
A photo permit must be purchased from reception before taking any photographs. You must also complete the form that outlines what you have taken photographs of and confirm that the photographs will only be used for non-commercial research and will not be redistributed.
Phones, tablets, hand-held cameras and laptops can be used to take photographs. Flash photography is not permitted.
Copyright is applicable to all the archival material. Please speak to a member of staff if you are interested in using the material for purposes outside of non-commercial research.
Scanning and Photography Services
The Living Archive provides scanning and photocopying services for users who need to digitise or copy materials for research or personal use. These services are subject to the following terms:
- Scanning: Users can scan specific pages or sections of materials for personal research purposes. The cost of scanning will be determined by the quality and size of the document.
- Photocopying: Users may photocopy materials for research purposes. The cost will also vary depending on the quality (e.g., colour or black-and-white) and size of the copy (standard or oversized).
- Scanning and photocopying requests are subject to the suitability of the item in question to be placed on a flatbed scanner.
- A copyright declaration form must be completed for any copies made and confirmation that the copies are for non-commercial and personal use and must not be distributed.
Pricing:
- Standard photocopying (A4): £0.25 per page (black and white), £0.50 per page (colour).
- Standard photocopying (A3): £0.50 per page (black and white), £1.00 per page (colour).
- Scanning: £0.15 per page for standard quality scans (A4); higher charges may apply for oversized or high-resolution scans.
- Additional Costs:
- Scanning to USB/CD: £5.00 to £15.00, depending on the size of the data.
- Digital Image Processing and OCR: £0.15 to £0.50 per page (if requested).
- Payment for scanning and photocopying services is to be made at the time of service. Charges are subject to change and changes will be communicated to users of the library.
Access Statement
8 Bowling Green Street is a Grade II listed building with steps leading up to the main entrance. A doorbell is located next to the wooden door for assistance.
Studio Box is situated on the first floor, accessible via a flight of 25 steps. There is a lift available for those with access needs to go up to the first floor. The building has four toilets on the first floor, including an accessible toilet.
Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage is committed to enhancing the accessibility of 8 Bowling Green Street while preserving its 160-year history in the heart of Leicester.
