The London Library provides a uniquely atmospheric setting for filming and has been used as a location in a wide range of print, broadcast and commercial photography work.

Recent examples include episodes of Killing Eve, Top Boy, In Search of Dracula with Mark Gatiss,The Apprentice, Child Genius, Newsnight, BBC Artsnight, Who Do You Think You Are and a number of BBC 4 and Sky Arts documentaries.

We try to be as flexible with filming as possible. We can sometimes accommodate smaller daytime shoots in the back stacks and other quieter parts of the Library. Likewise, The Sackler Study and Times Room can occasionally be made available at the start and end of the working day for short filming sessions. But we need to make sure minimum disruption is caused to our members.

As a result of this, we aim to only host filming during hours the Library is closed, and therefore usually provide access during the following hours:

7.30am-9.30am Monday to Friday

5.30pm-10.30pm Wednesday to Saturday

7.30am-10.30pm Sunday

Weekend filming is typically available through special arrangement for larger shoots. At the discretion of the Library, we are sometimes able to set up on Saturday evenings and leave equipment overnight so that filming can be done first thing Sunday morning.

As a charity receiving no public funding we charge fees which vary depending on the size and complexity of each shoot, which includes our cost for staff overtime to help co-ordinate the filming and provide out of hours access to the building.

Rates start at:

Weekdays: £350 (ex VAT) for the first hour and £250 (ex VAT) for subsequent hours

Weekends: subject to negotiation

Please note these are starting rates and final quote will depend on the complexity and size of the shoot.

View the spaces on offer at The London Library

Or watch a video to see inside the Library: