London Library Members

The London Library is one of the UK’s greatest literary institutions, providing a centre of creativity, inspiration and ideas for 180 years. From its foundation, the Library has been associated with many of the most prominent writers and thinkers of the day.

Well-known members and frequent borrowers have included Charles Dickens, Charles Darwin, Bram Stoker, Virginia Woolf, Angela Carter, Daphne du Maurier, Stanley Kubrick and Ian Fleming.

Current writers in membership include Kazuo Ishiguro, AS Byatt, Raymond Antrobus, Simon Schama, Jessie Burton and Sarah Waters. The Library is also championed by its President and member of over 30 years, Helena Bonham Carter CBE.

These famous names are part of a much wider community of 7,500 members who find the Library’s resources invaluable. Our members come from all ages and backgrounds and membership is open to everyone. On a daily basis, members of the public, authors, academics, students, researchers and people from a host of professional backgrounds share our facilities and their love of learning, creating a unique cultural institution in the heart of London. 

Comments from our members

Author, Producer and Screenwriter Daisy Goodwin talks about the essential role The London Library played in the making of her international hit TV series, "Victoria":

10 great writers and actors at our 175th celebrations in St. James's Square describe what they love about The London Library:

And more from our members on what they love about The London Library: