Internet issue at Library now resolved 

We are pleased to report that the Library building now has full access to the internet as external network issues have been resolved. You can now enjoy access to Wi-Fi in the Library building as usual. 

Thank you for your patience. 

The 56th issue of The London Library Magazine lands with members this week!

In our Autumn issue, we are delighted to have playwright, translator, film director and long-time Library member Christopher Hampton for our cover feature. Christopher speaks to us about his experiences of translating classics, writing some of his most recognisable adaptations, including Dangerous Liaisons, and discovering the Library’s German collection.

Elsewhere in this issue, author Selina Mills talks to us about her new memoir Life Unseen and her love for the Library. Poet Will Harris talks about his experiences of writing poetry alongside working in palliative care and his fondness for the Science & Miscellaneous collection. Kassia St. Clair recounts her quest to discover the Library’s ‘loneliest books.’ And John O’Farrell, Victoria Hislop, and Royston Vince share their anecdotes of serendipitous discoveries in the stacks.

The London Library is pleased to announce the appointment of Willa Beckett as the new Director of Development.

Beckett has worked in development and project management roles in arts organisations for over 20 years. Previous employers include the Art Fund, the National Gallery and most recently Sir John Soane’s Museum. She also spent over two years representing the Royal Drawing School in New York, developing partnerships with art schools and funders.

Of her appointment Beckett said, ‘I feel extremely fortunate to be joining The London Library as the programme and resources for its growing membership continue to develop. After a rewarding six years at Sir John Soane’s Museum, I look forward to being part of the Library’s dedicated team, and through the enhancement of charitable income, supporting the work of such a respected and much loved institution.’


We were delighted to host the Academy of St Martin in the Fields chamber orchestra on 13 September for the first concert of its kind in the Library’s Reading Room.

Founders’ Circle patrons enjoyed an evening of music featuring works by Sir Edward Elgar, who was a Library member and Library Committee Member for nearly a decade. The musicians remarked on the surprisingly good acoustics and the evening inspired us to continue to broaden our events programme for our Founders’ Circle patrons.

If you would like to find out more about being a Founders’ Circle patron, you can visit the website or contact the Development Team on 020 7766 4731 or via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

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