The London Library

The London Library Around one million books, 17 miles of open-access shelves and over 180 years of history.

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of artist and designer Vanessa Bell - a key figure of the Bloomsbury Group and form...
30/05/2026

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of artist and designer Vanessa Bell - a key figure of the Bloomsbury Group and former member of The London Library.

The daughter of Leslie Stephen and sister of Virginia Woolf, Bell played a defining role in shaping culture of early 20th century Britain through her work across painting and design.

Fashion, literature and storytelling collide at The London Library.Join internationally celebrated designer Erdem Morali...
29/05/2026

Fashion, literature and storytelling collide at The London Library.

Join internationally celebrated designer Erdem Moralioglu in conversation with Charlie Porter as they explore the literary inspirations, historical references and imaginary conversations behind ERDEM’s world-renowned collections.

Part of LL185, celebrating 185 years of The London Library.

Limited tickets remaining: www.londonlibrary.co.uk/whats-on

Last night, Library members put their knowledge to the test at our LL185 Quiz Night, hosted by writer and London Library...
28/05/2026

Last night, Library members put their knowledge to the test at our LL185 Quiz Night, hosted by writer and London Library Ambassador John O’Farrell.

An evening of literary trivia, friendly competition, and plenty of laughs - all in celebration of 185 years of The London Library.

Join The London Library at an exciting moment in our growth as we continue our ambitious £8m capital campaign and expand...
26/05/2026

Join The London Library at an exciting moment in our growth as we continue our ambitious £8m capital campaign and expand philanthropic support for one of the UK’s greatest literary institutions.

Part-time (0.8 FTE) | St James’s Square, London
Applications close Monday 1 June, 12pm

Find out more: www.londonlibrary.co.uk/work-for-us

Happy International Sherlock Holmes Day. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born. The mind behind Sherlock Holmes, Doyle joined...
22/05/2026

Happy International Sherlock Holmes Day.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born. The mind behind Sherlock Holmes, Doyle joined the London Library in 1896. He was an active committee member and devoted Library member.

His stories can still be found among our open shelves today - part of a collection designed to be browsed, discovered and borrowed.

Home to literary inspiration for generations of readers and writers, the Library continues to champion the joy of discovery through books.

20/05/2026

We’re delighted to launch The London Library Digital Archive, created with TownsWeb Archiving and powered by their PastView platform. It's now available to explore.

The archive gives access to more than 70,000 historical London Library membership records dating from 1841–1950, revealing unexpected connections and previously unknown members from across the Library’s history.

Early discoveries include Mark Twain’s original joining letter being read clearly for the first time through the digitisation process, alongside confirmed memberships of television cook F***y Cradock and playwright Sir Terence Rattigan.

The digital archive is supported by the Unwin Charitable Trust with seed funding from Mark Storey.

A quiet corner. A book you weren’t expecting to find. An afternoon that disappears between the shelves. 📚Become a member...
18/05/2026

A quiet corner. A book you weren’t expecting to find. An afternoon that disappears between the shelves. 📚

Become a member to discover around one million books, beautiful reading spaces, and a literary home in the heart of London.

Tucked away in the lower level of the Library, the Foyle Lightwell offers a quiet space for reading, writing and reflect...
14/05/2026

Tucked away in the lower level of the Library, the Foyle Lightwell offers a quiet space for reading, writing and reflection.

A calm part of The London Library where natural light, books and ideas meet - whether you’re deep in research or simply taking a moment between the shelves. 📚

Acclaimed author and London Library member Jessie Burton reflects on the inspiration she’s found among the stacks - a sp...
12/05/2026

Acclaimed author and London Library member Jessie Burton reflects on the inspiration she’s found among the stacks - a space that has shaped the writing of three of her novels.

Four books from Philippa Gregory’s bookshelf 📚All available to browse and borrow from our collection.
08/05/2026

Four books from Philippa Gregory’s bookshelf 📚

All available to browse and borrow from our collection.

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14 St James's Square
London
SW1Y4LG

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 8pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 8pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 8pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday 9:30am - 5:30pm

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