The London Library Patrons' Scheme: The Founders' Circle

Enjoy bespoke events inside The London Library, gain private access to collections and exhibitions, and play a vital role in sustaining the Library as the home of literary inspiration.

From in-depth events and behind the scenes Library access, to tailored trips visiting some of the world’s most spectacular collections, The London Library Founders’ Circle is an inspirational and friendly group of people who share a love of literature.

“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

There are three levels of support:

£1,500* Patron

  • Deepen your knowledge of literature, history and the arts through our regular talks programme
  • Gain out-of-hours access to our unique collection and the libraries of other cultural institutions
  • Connect with fellow patrons at our annual Supporters’ Lunch
  • Join us with a guest at our Summer and Christmas parties, hosted by our President, Helena Bonham Carter
  • Have your name acknowledged on our donor boards in the Library and in our Annual Report

£5,000* Patron

All of the above plus:

  • Exclusive visits to private book collections in London and beyond
  • An invitation for you and a guest to the annual Chair’s Dinner, joined in conversation each year by a notable Library member

£10,000* Patron

All of the above plus:

  • A private annual lunch with the Director
  • A bespoke tour for you and up to five guests, featuring treasures from the Library’s collection

* 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.