The Founders' Circle is a group of supporters who regularly give to The London Library and through access to Library experts and behind the scenes updates and events, they gain a deeper involvement with its work.

Patrons support is vital to ensuring that The London Library continues to inspire future generations of readers, writers and thinkers, and that the collection remains available to all. As a thank you for their support, Patrons enjoy exclusive opportunities, a fascinating events programme, and behind the scenes access into the workings of the Library and the literary world.

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The London Library has always relied upon philanthropic support from its members. From Royal Patron Prince Albert's £50 donation, T S Eliot's fundraising auction to save the Library from closure and more recently, Tom Stoppard's Innovation Fund - philanthropy is at the heart of the Library. The Library has always been defined by its independence and, despite receiving no government or statutory funding, has remained self-financing throughout its history thanks to the generosity of many individuals. Please consider joining this group of generous supporters and help The London Library to flourish as an important literary hub.

There are three levels of support: £1,500, £5,000, and £10,000*

£1,500* Patron

  • Invitations to an annual programme of exclusive events with authors and literary experts, held at the Library and other cultural institutions
  • Invitations to the Founders' Circle Annual Lunch and President's Christmas and Summer Parties
  • Complimentary tickets to the Library's public speaker events
  • Regular supporters' newsletter offering the inside track about Library projects and news
  • Acknowledgement in the Annual Report and magazine
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    £5,000* Patron
    All of the above plus:

  • Invitations to view private book collections and the annual Chairman's Dinner
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    £10,000* Patron
    All of the above plus:

  • Bespoke tour for you and up to five guests, featuring treasures from the Library's collection
  • Opportunities for bespoke involvement with key members of The London Library's specialist staff to discuss your own areas of interest
  • Bookplates recording your support enclosed within 10 new books added to the collection during the year
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    * All levels of Founders' Circle support comprise a benefits value detailing the actual cost of joining The London Library's Patron Programme. These benefits can be purchased separately at this price. Any amounts given over and above this benefits value are given freely as a donation and are eligible for Gift Aid. £1500 Level comprises £1,200 donation/£300 benefits, £5,000 level comprises £4,380 donation/£620 benefits, £10,000 level comprises £9,240 donation/£760 benefits. To discuss purchasing benefits separately please contact the Fundraising Team on 020 7766 4719.

    If you'd like details of upcoming supporter events, take a look at our upcoming programme or visit the what's on page.

    How To Join

    Be a part of the Library's great tradition of individuals who care about arts and literature, and support the development of one of the country's great literary institutions.

    JOIN NOW

    Or if you prefer, call 020 7766 4719 to donate over the phone, or download a Founders' Circle Donation Form and return it to the Fundraising Team at The London Library, 14 St James's Square, London, SW1Y 4LG.

    If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Fundraising Team on 020 7766 4719 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

    US Founders' Circle

    We have also established a Founders' Circle in America through the International Friends of The London Library (a registered 501(c) 3 charitable corporation). For further information on the US Founders' Circle and International Friends please visit our International Supporters pages or visit the IFLL website.