Housed on-site in purpose-built, environmentally-controlled rooms, the John Innes Historical Collections documenting over 400 years of botanical literature.

Members of the public and researchers may access the collections housed in the library by appointment. Disabled access can be arranged with prior notification Group visits can also be arranged, but the Rare Books room has a capacity of 25 people. Larger groups can be accommodated by special arrangement. Library staff also undertake various outreach events throughout the year, and external talks on the Historical Collections can be booked for your event.