Public Tours

Explore the Library's extraordinary literary history, collection and bookstacks, and a beautiful building in the heart of London.

Public Tours

Explore the Library's extraordinary literary history, collection and bookstacks, and a beautiful building in the heart of London.

The London Library's stone entrance at number 14, two visitors at the wooden doors.
The Reading Room busy with members at desks beneath tall windows and hanging globe lights.
A narrow aisle in the book stacks, grated iron floor underfoot and colourful spines either side.
Book-lined aisles of the Art Room, with a steel staircase rising between tall shelves under a glazed ceiling.
A member reaching up to a high shelf in a long, book-lined stack aisle.

Public tours offer the opportunity to explore one million books, beautiful reading rooms and atmospheric book stacks within a unique building in the heart of London.

Led by our knowledgeable team, tours guide visitors through the Library’s historic spaces and 17 miles of shelves, introducing the collection, community and literary history that have inspired readers, writers and researchers since 1841 until today.

Tours take place on one Monday evening each month and are ideal for anyone interested in books, literature, architecture or London’s cultural history. They also offer a chance to experience some of the benefits of membership before joining our community of readers, writers and researchers. Visit What's On for upcoming public tours.

Due to limited capacity, advance booking is essential. 

Book a public tour

Before your visit

  • We recommend arriving by 5:50pm, as late arrivals cannot be accommodated
  • Tours are designed for adults and are not suitable for children under 16
  • The tour involves a considerable amount of walking throughout the building
  • Some areas feature grated flooring, so comfortable footwear is recommended
  • If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know in advance so we can make arrangements
  • Filming and recording are not permitted during the tour, though photography is welcome
  • Large bags are not permitted
  • Phones should be switched to silent mode during the tour 
The London Library - The Study
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Membership Options
Find the access that suits you. From full access to remote memberships, we offer flexible options to suit your needs.

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.

What's On
Bringing the latest in literature, history and culture to all.