FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is there a student membership?
There is no membership related specifically to student status, but any applicant aged 16 to 24 may now take out full membership of the Library for one-half the standard fee. In addition, the London Library Trust offers Carlyle Membership to any members and prospective members aged over 24 who need to make use of the Library but for whom the full subscription would be a real barrier to membership. Assistance normally covers 30%, or in exceptional cases 60% of the annual subscription.
Is there a discount for people aged over 60?
No, but see the previous answer concerning Carlyle Membership.
Can laptop computers be used at the Library?
Yes; there is a ground floor Reading Room and a separate section of the Main Reading Room where laptops can be used at all the desks.
Is there Internet access at the Library?
Yes; there are terminals in the Reading Rooms giving access to the Internet at no extra charge; wireless access is also available for those who have a laptop with wireless capability.
Are electronic publications available?
A growing range of subscription electronic reference works, databases and e-journal titles are available both at the Library and to members using their computers at home.
Is it possible to consult the Library's catalogues online?
The catalogue of all materials acquired since 1950 is available for consultation via this website. Details of the older parts of the collection are constantly being added to the online catalogue. For full coverage of pre-1950 acquisitions it is necessary to consult also the printed catalogues in the Library. Copies of these are also available in the reference collections of many major public and academic libraries.
How many books does the Library have?
There are approximately 1 million volumes in total in the Library's collection; all books and periodicals are housed on-site at 14 St James's Square.
Does the Library still acquire new books?
Yes; approximately 8,000 volumes are added to the Library each year across all of the subject areas of the collections (see above). Members are invited to make suggestions for books to be acquired by the Library.
Does the Library hold periodicals?
The Library maintains current subscriptions to approximately 850 periodicals and also holds extensive collections of nineteenth- and twentieth-century journals and magazines. Most back numbers of periodicals - excluding the most recent issues - are available for loan.
How can I apply for annual membership?
Application forms are available on this website or from the Library. Applications for annual membership should be submitted in advance for authorisation by the Librarian. The entire process should take no longer than one week.
