About The London Library
The London Library was founded in 1841 by an illustrious group of writers, cultural figures and political leaders, and is the largest independent Library in the world. For over 180 years the Library has inspired and supported writers, thinkers, scholars and artists in the creation of some of the world’s most famous books, scripts and ideas that have, in turn, touched the lives of millions.
The Library remains self-financing, thanks to the generosity of individuals both in the UK and the US, and continues to be a haven of inspiration.
The collection
The Library holds around 1 million volumes in its collection, the vast majority of which are on open access shelving and available for members to borrow.
The collection focuses on the Humanities; History, Cultural Expression (literature, language, performing arts and fine arts) and Thought and Life (philosophy, religion, folklore, social and political science) with books from 1500AD to the present day and an impressive range of eResources.
Its atmospheric stacks and reading rooms are open for those seeking inspiration for their latest works, a space to study or a place to indulge in one of the finest pastimes, reading.
Members past & present
The Library has been associated with numerous prominent writers and thinkers, from Dickens to Darwin, Virginia Woolf to Bram Stoker, John Stuart Mill to Harriet Martineau. The roll call of public figures continues to this day including Tom Stoppard, Simon Schama, Stephen Fry, David Hare, Sarah Waters, Kazuo Ishiguro, Claire Tomalin, Raymond Antrobus and Jessie Burton.
Hundreds of authors, playwrights, researchers, students and readers have walked the stacks of The London Library, and used its collection and spaces.
The Library offers half price membership for 16-29 year olds and Supported Membership for those who require financial assistance to benefit from the Library’s services and collections. The Library has also recently launched a State Schools Memberships pilot programme, funded through philanthropy.