The National Meteorological Library and Archive
Open to everyone, the Met Office holds one of the UK's most comprehensive meteorology collections.
National Meteorological Library
The National Meteorological Library and Archive (NMLA) started life from the very beginnings of the Met Office. It now resides in Exeter, UK.
First mentioned in 1870, the Library initially contained 1200 volumes and pamphlets.
What's on the shelves
The library has a large collection of books and journals that help everyone to learn about weather and climate science. You can be a complete beginner or an expert and we will have publications that suit your needs.
E-Books and E-Journals
You don't have to come to Exeter to access the library resources.
We have a huge E-Book and E-Journal collection and everything we have can be found on our catalogue.
Exhibition space
The library is also a public exhibition space where you can learn about the history of the Met Office and see displays about the history of weather observing on land, sea and in the air.
National Meteorological Archive
The National Meteorological Archive is located just across the road from the Met Office and shares a site with Devon Heritage Centre.
It is open to the public and you can view any of our collections in the public searchroom.
Our Collections
The archive holds weather observations for all Met Office sites in England and Wales, a huge complimentary collection of global data and private weather diaries all of which help to create a vast climate record almost 200 years long.
The archive also holds all of the Met Office publications, an important rare book collection, records which reflect the history of the Met Office and a collection of weather recording instruments.
Digital Archives
We are scanning the most important parts of our collections and making them available to everyone in our Digital Library and Archive.
We also archive newly created digital content from the Met Office and some partner organisations. Everything from air quality to space weather!
How to get in touch
You can find out more about us including how to find us and how to get in touch with an questions or enquiries via our web pages.
Our services are free to access!
