Announcing The London Library Capital Campaign: Building Connections  

I am delighted to present our proposed building improvement plans for The London Library, ahead of applying for planning permission this summer.

Building on the Library’s achievements over recent years, our plans aim to further increase the opportunity for literary inspiration and connection by improving access to the collection and facilitating the sharing of ideas. They will enrich the membership experience, nurture our creative community, and help safeguard the future of our much-loved institution.

Throughout its 180-year history, the Library has made substantial changes to its premises. From a complete reconstruction in 1896, to the award-winning restoration of our Art Room in 2010, the ethos of the Library has always been maintained, and an awareness of our founding principles remains central to our current approach.

We are continuing to work with architects Haworth Tompkins, who have a longstanding and acclaimed history with the Library and who fully understand the need to minimise disruption to normal Library operations during the delivery of the improvements. We are all committed to maintaining the services and space for quiet contemplation that we know are so deeply appreciated by our members.

A fundraising campaign dedicated to raising the required funds is being led by the Library’s Development Department, overseen by our Chair of Trustees.

Visit our website where you can learn more about the project and share your views. 

The London Library Capital Campaign: Building Connections

Thank you in advance for your feedback and support.

Philip Marshall, Director

We are seeking up to three enthusiastic and committed people to join The London Library Board as trustees.

Trusteeship involves helping with the Library’s overall governance, monitoring our strategic goals and supporting the Executive team. Our trustees are volunteers but the role can be highly rewarding in terms of personal development and the enjoyment that comes with working collectively in the best interests of the Library.

We are also seeking two young members to become trustee placements on the Board. This is a two-year role, which is open to members aged between 18 and 30. We encourage applications from all backgrounds. Learn more on the Library website or get in touch to find out more. 

Learn more

We're bouncing into spring with a raft of new events in 2024 to tickle everyone's fancy.

The season begins with our annual joyous celebration of the Jhalak Prize, with discussion from judges Anni Domingo and JP Rose and readings from the shortlisted authors.

We take a deep dive into the great literary taboo of Shakespeare's real identity with none other than Sir Derek Jacobi and Elizabeth Winkler - author of an explosive new book on the subject, both in conversation with Stephanie Merritt.

We're exploring political satire in all its forms with some of the best in the business - political cartoonist Ella Baron and political comedy writer John O'Farrell in conversation with Yassmin Abdel-Magied. And we'll be marking Refugee Week with a very special RAP Party, Inua Ellams's exhilarating live literature phenomenon which will feature poets including Natalie Linh Bolderston, Sophie Herxheimer, Ammar Haj Ahmed, George Szirtes and many more.

And don't miss out on our exclusive performance of Between Two Fires, Sylvia Pankhurst's extraordinary lost play, our Scratch Night of exciting new political plays by London Library Emerging Writers and our Art/Lit Salon with Jennifer Higgie and Lauren Elkin in conversation with Dominique Heyse-Moore. 

Explore the programme