Membership Options

Find the access that suits you. From full access to remote memberships, we offer flexible options to suit your needs.
One million volumes
Thousands of eResources
Overhead view of two members in a book-lined aisle, one seated at a desk with a large illustrated volume open.

Founded in 1841, The London Library is the world’s largest independent lending library and the home of literary inspiration. Members can enjoy one million volumes and thousands of eResources, an extraordinary history and community, and a beautiful building in the heart of London - making this a unique space to read, write, research and be inspired. Whether you’re writing your first novel, researching a project, looking for a quiet place to work, or simply wanting time to browse and discover, membership gives you the flexibility to use the Library in a way that suits you.

Standard membership types

Library membership is a one-year renewable contract with options to pay monthly or annually.
Monthly prices rounded to the nearest pound.

Full
£55 /mth

Monthly Direct Debit

Full access to the Library, including evenings and Saturdays
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Off-peak
£35 /mth

Monthly Direct Debit

Off-peak access to the Library during evenings, Fridays and Saturdays
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Remote
£26 /mth

Monthly Direct Debit

Access to online resources and postal loans
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Young Person
£27 /mth

Monthly Direct Debit

Half-price Full Membership for ages 16-29
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Supported
Reduced-rate Full Membership for those on lower incomes
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Partner
£27 /mth

Monthly Direct Debit

Half-price Full Membership for partners of current Full members
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More options

Life
A lasting connection to the Library through lifetime access
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Schools
Supporting reading and research access for secondary schools
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Institutional
Full access to the Library for organisations, charities and educational bodies
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Member benefits

Features Full Off-peak Remote Young Person
Print & online collection including JSTOR Yes Yes Yes Yes
Unlimited Library building access Yes No No Yes
Partial Library building access No Yes No No
Five reading rooms, 160 desks Yes Yes No Yes
Browse and borrow open shelves Yes Yes No Yes
Postal loans service Yes Yes Yes Yes
15 book loan allowance Yes Yes Yes Yes
Expert research assistance Yes Yes Yes Yes
Special-interest member groups Yes Yes Yes Yes
Exclusive member events Yes Yes Yes Yes
Discounted event tickets Yes Yes Yes Yes
London Library Magazine Yes Yes Yes Yes
AGM voting rights Yes No No Yes
Price* £590/yr £375/yr £265/yr £295/yr
Purchase Full Off-peak Remote Young Person
*All prices are annual Direct Debit

Explore The London Library

There are many ways to experience The London Library before becoming a member

A reader works at a laptop beneath a reading lamp, earphones in.

Purchase a Day Pass
Spend the day reading, writing or researching in the Library
Man and woman smiling at a book in the woman's hands

Book a public tour
Explore the Library’s history, collections and hidden stacks
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Attend an event
Join conversations with leading writers, artists and thinkers
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Prospective Member Tours
Discover membership benefits and experience the Library in person before joining
Related

Prospective member tours
Thinking of joining? Book a free 15-minute tour of The London Library's reading rooms and study spaces before you become a member.

Support the Library
Help protect the world’s largest independent lending library and support a space where readers, writers and researchers continue to thrive.