The CA Library is the largest of its kind in the world and contains a highly acclaimed collection of nautical books, charts, periodicals, videos and other material covering every aspect of marine activity with particular focus on yacht cruising. The library, founded in 1908 by Herbert Hanson, occupies most of the top floor of CA House and enjoys magnificent views over the Thames and Limehouse Basin Marina. As well as a substantial lending collection of some 12,000 volumes, there is a chart room with a wide range of cruise planning aids including more than 3,000 paper charts covering the entire world plus comprehensive sets of electronic charts. The library is fully equipped with PCs, cruise planning tables and desks, plus armchairs and two large balconies for the more leisurely reader.

Our Library is both a magnificent collection of books and a comprehensive cruising information service. It is staffed by a professional librarian who is also an experienced yachtswoman and well placed to assist members with information, enquiries and library loans. Material submitted by members includes regional files of cruising information covering the whole world as well as an extensive collection of their cruising logs. Library services include photocopying and internet access on the library’s PCs or by wifi, and a video/DVD player for viewing the library's media collection. 

CA members have full access to this unrivalled Library and Information Centre which is not generally open to non-members. The library is open daily throughout the week and at weekends by arrangement. Members unable to visit the library in person can browse and search the entire catalogue online and request books to be sent to them as well as access the CA’s unique online regional files.