Last week, the Library installed four new boards in recognition of the Library's donors. These consist of UK and US Founders’ Circle patrons, Major Donors to specific projects or general funds and an updated board in honour of those who have left a legacy to the Library.
The Founders’ Circle, Major Donors, and Legacy boards will be updated annually. We’re pleased to be able to publicly recognise our philanthropic supporters, who play a crucial role in ensuring the Library’s long-term sustainability.
Find out more about how you can support the Library.
The next Annual General Meeting (AGM) of The London Library will take place at 6.00 pm on Tuesday 15 November 2022, in person and online.
The London Library's AGM is your opportunity to hear the Chairman, Treasurer and Director review the Library’s progress over last financial year, participate in decision-making processes, and engage with the wider Library community.
The AGM notice and agenda will be available by 2pm, 24 October 2022.
Members attending in person are cordially invited for drinks from 5:30pm onwards where they will meet Library Trustees and senior staff.
Libraries Week is an annual showcase and celebration of the best that libraries have to offer.
To celebrate, The London Library installed a new display in the glass display case (now located next to The Study entrance) with some well-known and less well-known treasures from our Special Collections.
Among them includes the Library's Fourth Folio of Shakespeare, the Hogarth Press edition of Woolf's Kew Gardens, the Subscribers Edition of Seven Pillars of Wisdom, and David Bryce and Son's miniature Holy Bible. This bible is likely the smallest book the Library holds, measuring at just 42mm x 28mm, and comes complete with it's own tiny magnifying glass.
Another feature of the display is Wild Flowers and Their Teachings. Attributed to novelist Mary Matilda Howard (1804–1893), this collection of literary botany (or botanical literature) presents floral-minded texts from religious and poetical works alongside specimens of pressed flowers.
The London Library was deeply saddened by the death of our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen earlier this month. Queen Elizabeth II became the Library’s Patron in 2004, following the death of our former Patron, the Queen Mother, in 2002.
On 17 February 1993, Her Majesty visited the Library for its 150th anniversary, accompanied by her husband, H.R.H The Duke of Edinburgh. The visit was in support of the Library’s 150th-anniversary appeal to raise money for the Mason’s Yard extension.
During the event, Her Majesty and H.R.H The Duke of Edinburgh were entertained by readings from a host of guests, including Sir Alec Guinness, Gayle Hunnicutt, Noel Annan, and John Julius Norwich.
The Queen was also given the opportunity to view books gifted to the Library by Prince Albert and Queen Mary when the Library was founded in 1841.
The Library is grateful to Her Majesty’s service and commitment over many years. Philip Marshall, Director of The London Library, was honoured to represent the Library at Her Majesty's funeral service on 19 September.
A book of condolence is available for members to sign in the Issue Hall. If members are unable to visit the Library and wish to contribute, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will be happy to leave a message on your behalf.
