The London Library Patrons' Scheme: The Founders' Circle

From in-depth events and behind the scenes Library access, to tailored trips visiting  spectacular collections in the UK and abroad, The London Library Founders’ Circle is an inspirational and friendly group of people who share a love of literature.

Whether or not you are an active user, by supporting the Library as a Patron, as I have enjoyed doing for almost 20 years, you will join a community of like-minded individuals who make an invaluable contribution to allow the Library to continue to enrich the lives of countless people in the future.” Basil Postan, London Library Patron

There are three levels of support¹:

£1,800 Patron

  • Deepen your knowledge of literature, history and the arts through our regular events programme. For details of upcoming supporters' events, take a look at our what's on page
  • Gain out-of-hours access to our unique collection and the libraries of other cultural institutions
  • Connect with fellow patrons at our annual Supporters’ Lunch
  • Join us with a guest at our Summer and Christmas parties, hosted by our President, Helena Bonham Carter
  • Have your name acknowledged on our donor boards in the Library and in our Annual Report

£6,000 Patron

All of the above plus:

  • Exclusive visits to private book collections in London and beyond
  • An invitation for you and a guest to the annual Chair’s Dinner, joined in conversation each year by a notable Library member

£12,000 Patron

All of the above plus:

  • A private annual lunch with the Director of The London Library
  • A bespoke tour for you and up to five guests, featuring treasures from the Library’s collection

How to join

Be part of the wonderful tradition of supporting one of the country’s great literary institutions, its independence and its contribution to culture, by becoming a Patron of The London Library.

JOIN THE FOUNDERS' CIRCLE HERE

Alternatively, to pay by bank transfer, cheque or standing order, complete and return a Join Form. If you have any questions, please contact the Development Team on 020 7766 4795 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it...

Patron Membership

If you are not already a Library member, an easy way to enjoy the full benefits of both the Library’s membership and Patrons’ programmes is to become a Patron Member.

For £2,435 per year², you can enjoy a programme of bespoke Patron events, behind-the-scenes tours, and visits to some of the UK’s best private collections, as well as all the benefits of Full Library membership, such as use of the Library’s spaces and collection of over 1 million books.

A joint Patron membership, which allows for two Library memberships, and access to the Founders’ Circle Patrons’ programme is £2,752.50 per year.²

If you would like to sign up as a Patron Member, or to find out more, please contact the Patrons Team on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

US Founders' Circle

In partnership with The International Friends of The London Library (a US registered 501(c) 3 charitable corporation), The London Library has a US Patrons’ Programme, the US Founders’ Circle. Find put more about the International Friends here or visit their website.

 

¹ All levels of support are paid annually and comprise a benefits value representing the actual cost of joining The London Library's Patrons' Programme and a donation value. The 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. £1,800 Level comprises £1,500 donation/£300 benefits, £6,000 level comprises £5,380 donation/£620 benefits, £12,000 level comprises £11,240 donation/£760 benefits. To discuss purchasing benefits separately please contact the Development Team on 020 7766 4795.

² A breakdown of the costs:

£2,435 for a single Patron Membership:

  • £1,500 Founders’ Circle donation
  • £300 Founder’s Circle benefits
  • £635 Library membership

£2,752.50 for a joint Patron Membership:

  • £1,500 Founders’ Circle donation
  • £300 Founders’ Circle benefits
  • £635 Library membership
  • £317.50 spouse membership