The London Library

About

Founded in 1841 The London Library is one of the world’s great lending libraries. An extraordinary history, a vast borrowing collection and an outstanding building make this a unique place to read, to write and to be inspired. The collection offers more than one million books dating from 1700 to the present day, almost all of which can be borrowed by members. Browse 17 miles of open access shelves for an unforgettable voyage of literary discovery! Inside the Library there’s a vast labyrinth of hidden corners and beautiful working spaces. From elegant reading rooms, meeting rooms and information work spaces, to atmospheric bookstacks, it’s a unique literary oasis in the heart of London. From Sarah Waters to Kazuo Ishiguro; Charles Dickens to TS Eliot; Virginia Woolf to Bram Stoker; we’ve been at the heart of literature for over 175 years. A home for anyone who loves the written word, we would love you to join them.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes