FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can anyone join The London Library?
Yes. All prospective annual and life members need one referee to counter-sign their application form, but this is the only pre-requisite for membership
Does the referee have to be a member of the Library?
No, it is not necessary to know someone who is already a member; the referee should simply be someone to whom the applicant is known personally (other than a family member living at the same address) whose position can be verified (e.g. a current member of the Library, an academic, a member of a professional association).
Is there a waiting list?
No; the Library welcomes all applications for membership.
Is the Library a club?
No; it is not necessary to be 'proposed' by a current member.
What subjects does the Library cover?
The subject range is mainly within the humanities, and the collection is particularly strong in history, literature (including fiction), biography, art, philosophy, religion and related fields. Textbooks on technology, business, law and medicine are not within the Library's scope, although material on the history of all of these subjects is held.
Is the Library's stock on open access?
The vast majority of the stock is on open shelves to which members have free access; a small number of rarer or more fragile items are available only on request.
Can books be borrowed?
Almost all Library materials may be borrowed.
How many books can be borrowed?
Personal members living in London are entitled to an initial basic allowance of 10 volumes on loan at any time; country members (ie those living more than 20 miles from the Library) are allowed 15 volumes. For small supplementary fees these allowances may be increased, in blocks of 5 volumes, to a total maximum of 40 volumes.
How long can books be borrowed for?
Books may be kept on loan for one month, or longer if not recalled by another member. After two months loans should be renewed, by letter, fax, telephone or email, or the online catalogue: it is not necessary to bring books to the Library in order to renew them.
Is it possible to visit the Library before joining?
Yes; prospective members are always welcome to come to look round the Library and see the facilities.
