Support the Library

Help protect the world’s largest independent lending library and support a space where readers, writers and researchers continue to thrive.
One person handing a book to another person

Why Your Support Matters

Founded in 1841, The London Library is the world’s largest independent lending library and the home of literary inspiration. As an independent registered charity receiving no regular public funding, the Library relies on the generosity of members, donors, trusts, foundations and corporate partners to sustain and develop its work.

Membership fees cover around two thirds of the cost of running the Library. Philanthropic support helps care for the collection, maintain the historic building, expand access to resources, support writers and readers, and ensure the Library remains an operating space to read, write, research and be inspired for generations to come.

There are many ways to support the Library, from individual giving and legacy gifts to corporate sponsorships, partnerships and support for specific projects and programmes. 

Support the Library

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

The stacks

Why Your Support Matters

Founded in 1841, The London Library is the world’s largest independent lending library and the home of literary inspiration. As an independent registered charity receiving no regular public funding, the Library relies on the generosity of members, donors, trusts, foundations and corporate partners to sustain and develop its work.

Membership fees cover around two thirds of the cost of running the Library. Philanthropic support helps care for the collection, maintain the historic building, expand access to resources, support writers and readers, and ensure the Library remains an operating space to read, write, research and be inspired for generations to come.

There are many ways to support the Library, from individual giving and legacy gifts to corporate sponsorships, partnerships and support for specific projects and programmes.

Group of people from the Emerging Writers Programme gathered in the library
A green London Library bookplate being applied inside a newly acquired hardback.
Group of people outside entrance of The London Library
Ensuring a vital institution lives on

Supporting the Library’s future

 Support from our community makes an impact across every part of Library life. Donations help fund conservation and collection care, public programmes and events, emerging writers initiatives, cataloguing and digitisation projects, and improvements to the building and member spaces.

Philanthropic support also enables major capital projects and helps widen access to the Library’s collections, resources and community.

Whether supporting a specific initiative or contributing to the Library’s long-term future, every gift helps support a vital literary institution that has inspired readers and writers for 185 years.

Ways to Support

Whether supporting a specific initiative or contributing to the Library's long-term future, every gift helps ensure a vital literary institution continues to support and inspire readers and writers for more than 185 years.

The London Library's stone entrance at number 14, two visitors at the wooden doors.

Donations & Grants
Support a range of programmes including Access Projects, Collections Projects and our annual Library Fund Appeal
A guest laughs in conversation over a glass of champagne at the reception.

Patrons Circle
Join a community of supporters helping to secure the Library's future while enjoying a closer connection to its collections and activities.
Shelves of books in The London Library

Leave a Gift in Your Will

If you are thinking about leaving a gift to The London Library in your will, thank you.
International map printed in an old book

International Support
The support of The International Friends of The London Library is vital to the continued success of The London Library.
Gold lettering reading "Foyle Lightwell Reading Room" beside a glazed door, a reader at a desk visible inside.

Corporate Support
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Building Connections

Find out more about The London Library Capital Campaign: Building Connections. 

By improving our building, we will make our collection more accessible, support the needs of our growing membership, and ensure our long-term sustainability.

Support the campaign
Members in the New Room

Contact the Development team

Whether through a donation, membership of the Patrons Circle, support for a specific project or a gift in your will, there are many ways to help sustain the Library's collections, spaces and community.

Contact the Development team
Woman walking through stacks in the library
Related

Patrons Circle
The Patrons Circle brings together supporters who make a significant contribution to the Library’s future while becoming part of a closer community around the Library and its work.

Donations & Grants
Support the collections, spaces and programmes that keep the Library accessible.