Libraries Week is an annual showcase and celebration of the best that libraries have to offer.
To celebrate, The London Library installed a new display in the glass display case (now located next to The Study entrance) with some well-known and less well-known treasures from our Special Collections.
Among them includes the Library's Fourth Folio of Shakespeare, the Hogarth Press edition of Woolf's Kew Gardens, the Subscribers Edition of Seven Pillars of Wisdom, and David Bryce and Son's miniature Holy Bible. This bible is likely the smallest book the Library holds, measuring at just 42mm x 28mm, and comes complete with it's own tiny magnifying glass.
Another feature of the display is Wild Flowers and Their Teachings. Attributed to novelist Mary Matilda Howard (1804–1893), this collection of literary botany (or botanical literature) presents floral-minded texts from religious and poetical works alongside specimens of pressed flowers.
The London Library was deeply saddened by the death of our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen earlier this month. Queen Elizabeth II became the Library’s Patron in 2004, following the death of our former Patron, the Queen Mother, in 2002.
On 17 February 1993, Her Majesty visited the Library for its 150th anniversary, accompanied by her husband, H.R.H The Duke of Edinburgh. The visit was in support of the Library’s 150th-anniversary appeal to raise money for the Mason’s Yard extension.
During the event, Her Majesty and H.R.H The Duke of Edinburgh were entertained by readings from a host of guests, including Sir Alec Guinness, Gayle Hunnicutt, Noel Annan, and John Julius Norwich.
The Queen was also given the opportunity to view books gifted to the Library by Prince Albert and Queen Mary when the Library was founded in 1841.
The Library is grateful to Her Majesty’s service and commitment over many years. Philip Marshall, Director of The London Library, was honoured to represent the Library at Her Majesty's funeral service on 19 September.
A book of condolence is available for members to sign in the Issue Hall. If members are unable to visit the Library and wish to contribute, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will be happy to leave a message on your behalf.
The Library will be open late one Wednesday a month throughout the year.
On these days, some reading rooms will be unavailable to members in order to facilitate events. Desk spaces will be available in other reading rooms and throughout the rest of the Library.
Late opening will take place on the following Wednesday evenings in 2024:
19 June: 9.30am – 9pm
17 July: 9.30am – 9pm
21 August: 9.30am – 9pm
18 September: 9.30am – 9pm
9 October: 9.30am – 9pm
20 November: 9.30am – 9pm
18 December: 9.30am – 9pm
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