Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback and views via our survey, by writing to us and at our consultation events. 

We received 147 responses to the feedback survey, of which 59% had a positive overall impression of the plans and the majority of those were very positive. 64% of responses were positive about Phase 2 of the project (the renovated members’ room with catering, roof terrace and lift) and 24% negative (the remainder being neutral). Of those who were not positive about the proposals, the majority did see merit in some elements of the plans. We understand from this, and a number of member surveys, that a significant number of members are excited about the proposals and feel they are a valuable addition to the Library’s offer to its members.

Respondents were happy to see the inclusion of a second lift. We have heard, understandably that members are concerned about the disruption and we, our architects and construction partners will do all we can to keep this to a minimum. We have also been in consultation with members regarding the related basement periodical collections and believe we are able to accommodate the requests members have made to retain specific items on site. We thank all respondents for taking the time to give their feedback and for their constructive comments.  

All of the feedback we have received will be useful as we continue the Building Connections project over the next four to five years. Planning applications for Phase One have been submitted to Westminster Council with Phase Two plans to follow in due course.

Please visit our Building Connections website for updates as plans progress as well as our FAQs page for more information.

Should you wish to get in touch about our campaign please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Through newsletters in April, May and June, members were invited to give input to the Library’s plans to move the foreign language periodicals and society publications from our collections off-site.

This is to allow for both the development of the kitchen in the basement as part of Phase 1 of the Building Connections Campaign, as well as to create a secure storage area for archives and rare books which will include an invigilation space.

As a result of the consultation, it was decided the following would be retained on site: 

• All of the Russian society and periodical publications
  
• All other titles identified by members in other languages (this includes titles in French, German, Italian and Spanish). 

We have accelerated work to get all known periodical and society publications referenced in our catalogue, and we will ensure that nothing is moved off-site that does not have a catalogue record. 

Thank you to all members who contacted us such giving useful and constructive input to our ongoing collection management. 

The St James’s Square entrance is now open. 

This was previously closed for vital remedial works to the front steps which were completed on 2 November.