The London Library Patrons' Scheme: The Founders' Circle

The Founders’ Circle Patrons’ Programme brings together a group of supporters who regularly give to The London Library and through access to Library experts, behind the scenes updates and events, gain a deeper involvement with its work.

Patrons' support is vital to ensuring that The London Library continues to inspire future generations of readers, writers and thinkers, and that the collection remains available to all.

As a thank you for their support, Patrons enjoy exclusive opportunities, a fascinating events programme, and privileged insights into the workings of the Library and the literary world.

“Whether or not you are an active user, by supporting it as a Patron, as I have enjoyed doing for almost 20 years, you will join a community of like-minded individuals in the Founders’ Circle who make an invaluable contribution to allowing the Library to continue to enrich the lives of countless people in the future.” Basil Postan, London Library Patron

£1,500* Patron

  • Invitations to an annual programme of exclusive events with authors and literary experts, held at the Library and other cultural institutions
  • Invitations to the Founders' Circle Annual Lunch and President's Christmas and Summer Parties
  • Complimentary tickets to the Library's public speaker events
  • Regular supporters' newsletter offering the inside track about Library projects and news
  • Acknowledgement in the Annual Report

£5,000* Patron

All of the above plus:

  • Invitations to view private book collections and the Annual Chairman's Dinner
  • Bookplates recording your support enclosed within five new books added to the collection during the year, ensuring your name is at the heart of the collection in perpetuity

£10,000* Patron

All of the above plus:

  • Bespoke tour for you and up to five guests, featuring treasures from the Library's collection
  • Opportunities for bespoke involvement with key members of The London Library's specialist staff to discuss your own areas of interest
  • Bookplates recording your support enclosed within 10 new books added to the collection during the year

* All levels of support are paid annually and comprise a benefits value detailing the actual cost of joining The London Library's Patrons' Programme. These benefits can be purchased separately at this price. Any amounts given over and above this benefits value are given freely as a donation and are eligible for Gift Aid. £1,500 Level comprises £1,200 donation/£300 benefits, £5,000 level comprises £4,380 donation/£620 benefits, £10,000 level comprises £9,240 donation/£760 benefits. To discuss purchasing benefits separately please contact the Fundraising Team on 020 7766 4731.

If you'd like details of upcoming supporters' events, take a look at our what's on page.

Philanthropic support is at the heart of The London Library; from Royal Patron Prince Albert's £50 donation, TS Eliot's fundraising auction to save the Library from closure and, more recently, The Tom Stoppard Innovation Fund. The Library is defined by its independence and despite receiving no government or statutory funding, has remained self-financing throughout its history thanks to the generosity of many individuals. Please consider joining this group of generous supporters and help The London Library to flourish as an important literary hub.

How to join

Be part of the wonderful tradition of supporting one of the country’s great literary institutions, its independence and its contribution to culture, by becoming a Patron of The London Library.

JOIN THE FOUNDERS' CIRCLE HERE

Or if you prefer, call 020 7766 4731 to donate over the phone, or download a Join Form and return it to the Fundraising Team at The London Library, 14 St James's Square, London, SW1Y 4LG. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Fundraising Team on 020 7766 4731 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Patron Membership

If you are not already a Library member, an easy way to enjoy the full benefits of both the Library’s membership and patrons’ programmes is to become a Patron Member.

For £2,115 per year*, you can enjoy a programme of bespoke patron-only events, behind-the-scenes tours, and visits to some of the UK’s best private collections, as well as all the benefits of Full Library membership, such as use of the Library’s spaces and collection of over 1 million books.

A joint patron membership, which allows for two Library memberships, and access to the Founders’ Circle patrons’ programme is £2,422.50 per year.*

If you would like to sign up as a Patron Member, or if you would like to find out more, please contact the Patrons Team on
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*A breakdown of the costs:

£2,115 for a single patron membership:

  • £1,200 Founders’ Circle donation at Martineau level
  • £300 Founder’s Circle benefits at Martineau level
  • £615 Library membership  

£2,422.50 for a joint patron membership:

  • £1,200 Founders’ Circle donation at Martineau level
  • £300 Founders’ Circle benefits at Martineau level
  • £615 Library membership
  • £307.50 spouse membership

 

US Founders' Circle

The London Library has established a US Founders’ Circle Patrons’ programme, the International Friends of The London Library (a registered 501(c) 3 charitable corporation). For further information on the US Founders’ Circle programme and the International Friends of The London Library (IFLL) please visit our International Supporters pages or visit their website.