The home of literary inspiration
The London Library is a membership library. Membership is open to all.
Collection
Arts and humanities
Archive & Special Collections
Search our collection
Discover The London Library
Explore our story, heritage and the spaces inspiring readers and writers since 1841.
Why join The London Library?
Access an irreplaceable collection, supportive community and storied history, in a quiet building in central London.
“The London Library is my favourite place in the whole of London. A unique resource and a wonderful place in which to read and research.”
What's on
Bringing the latest in literature, history and culture to all
The Carmen Talks: Getting the Good Stuff Out There
Visit the Library
Plan your visit to the Library. Designed for browsing and focused work with five reading rooms and 160 desks surrounded by bookstacks, the Library offers a quiet place to support your writing and research needs.
Story & Heritage
Delve into the history and heritage of the Library. From Charles Dickens to Virginia Woolf and Kazuo Ishiguro to Sarah Waters, discover how the Library has helped shape literature for 185 years.
Membership options
Monthly prices rounded to the nearest pound.
Full
Monthly Direct Debit
By Direct Debit saving £65
Off-peak
Monthly Direct Debit
By Direct Debit saving £50
Remote
Monthly Direct Debit
By Direct Debit saving £50
Young Person
Monthly Direct Debit
By Direct Debit saving £33
Partner
Monthly Direct Debit
By Direct Debit saving £33