At the moment, the Circle does not maintain a formal book lending library as such. In its place is a 'loose-leaf' archive system whereby members can borrow those items that interest them or reflect their researches. There is now a slowly expanding facility to download some archives as electronic files. Both these arrangements can effect a saving of postal costs.

The files in the archives now exceed 1100, ranging from just a few lines to over 100pp. They encompass over 30 different railways and a number of other categories - tramways, research notes and the like. Copies of scarce working timetables and appendices are available plus topics such as an extract from the Coal Commission report of 1871.