Using the Library from 19 July

With the 19 July lifting of various COVID restrictions, we're changing some of our working arrangements. Booking is no longer required but a number of measures remain in place to ensure members and staff can continue to feel safe when using the building.

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Welcome to The London Library

Founded in 1841, The London Library is one of the world's leading literary institutions. Members can browse and borrow our outstanding collection of books and resources, attend special events, and use our beautiful spaces in central London.

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Amazing spaces to study, think and create

Inside the Library there’s a vast labyrinth of books, hidden corners and beautiful working spaces. From elegant reading rooms to atmospheric bookstacks, it’s a unique literary oasis in the heart of London.

Inside The Library

Outstanding electronic resources

Members can access over 25,000 journals from JSTOR and other databases from home or anywhere you like to work! As well as online newspapers, magazines and more.

Our Online Resources

Creativity and inspiration for over 175 years

From Sarah Waters to Kazuo Ishiguro; Charles Dickens to TS Eliot; Virginia Woolf to Bram Stoker; we’ve been at the heart of literature for over 175 years. A home for anyone who loves the written word.

Our History

One million books to borrow

Our collection contains over one million books and periodicals, dating from 1700 to the present day, almost all of which can be borrowed. Browse 17 miles of open access shelves for an unforgettable voyage of literary discovery!

The Collection

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Upcoming Events

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Public Events

24 Sep 2021

Public Events
Write & Shine (Virtual)

Start your day with a burst of creativity with a Write & Shine virtual writing workshop

24 September 2021 07:30 - 09:15
30 Sep 2021

Public Events
Tenderness: Lawrence, lovers and literature on trial (In-person & virtual)

Alison MacLeod speaks to Lara Feigel about her new novel, the story of Lady Chatterley's Lover.

30 September 2021 19:30 - 20:30
07 Oct 2021

Public Events
Power and the Palette: How women artists painted a revolution (In-person & virtual)

Rebecca Birrell, Jennifer Higgie and Katy Hessel discuss the women artists who painted a revolution

07 October 2021 19:30 - 20:30

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Become a member of The London Library

Members have access to over a million books and periodicals, a superb online offering and an unforgettable building in beautiful St. James's Square. 7,000 members, including some of the most familiar names in the literary world, find the Library’s resources invaluable. We would love you to join them...

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Using the Library from 19 July

Welcome to The London Library

Amazing spaces to study, think and create

Outstanding electronic resources

Creativity and inspiration for over 175 years

One million books to borrow

Search the Catalogue

Join the Library

eBooks

Scope of the Collections

Online & Digital Collection

Opening arrangements from 19 July

Home

Upcoming Events

Write & Shine (Virtual)

Tenderness: Lawrence, lovers and literature on trial (In-person & virtual)

Power and the Palette: How women artists painted a revolution (In-person & virtual)

Latest News

Autumn Events at the London Library

The London Library welcomes latest participants onto its Emerging Writers Programme

New Faces on the Red Stairs

Become a member of The London Library

Using the Library from 19 July

Welcome to The London Library

Amazing spaces to study, think and create

Outstanding electronic resources

Creativity and inspiration for over 175 years

One million books to borrow

Search the Catalogue

Join the Library

eBooks

Scope of the Collections

Online & Digital Collection

Opening arrangements from 19 July

Home

Upcoming Events

Write & Shine (Virtual)

Tenderness: Lawrence, lovers and literature on trial (In-person & virtual)

Power and the Palette: How women artists painted a revolution (In-person & virtual)

Latest News

Autumn Events at the London Library

The London Library welcomes latest participants onto its Emerging Writers Programme

New Faces on the Red Stairs

Become a member of The London Library

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