The pre-planning consultation for the Building Connections campaign has now closed. We are very grateful to those members who gave us their feedback via our survey, by writing to us and at our consultation events. 

Building Connections will deliver on our long-term vision to improve access to the collection and create more spaces for members and Library partners to read, write and connect. The project will enable us to support the needs of our growing membership, ensure our long-term sustainability for the Library and increase our public impact, while maintaining the Library’s unique and much-loved atmosphere and character.

As part of the communication for the project emailed to all members on 8 May, we shared a survey, reminders in our newsletters and the brochure was posted to all members. 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. Of the 29% who were not positive (12% were neutral) about the proposals the majority did see merit in some elements of the plans. Members are keenly supportive of the 6^th floor plans, especially the café and roof terrace, whether it was to meet other members or simply to buy lunch without leaving the Library.

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 thank all respondents for taking the time to give their feedback and for their constructive comments.

The feedback we have received will be useful as we continue the project over the next four to five years and we will continue to keep members updated as plans progress including at the AGM this autumn.

The project website remains live and we will be updating the information, plans, illustrations and FAQs as the project progresses. The Trustees have decided to go forward with the Phase One plans to be submitted to Westminster Council for planning permission with Phase Two plans to follow in due course.

Click the link below to find out more, share feedback and learn how you can get involved in The London Library Capital Campaign: Building Connections.

Find out more

Last week, Library President Helena Bonham Carter hosted our supporters at the 2024 President’s Summer Party.

The annual event, held in our atmospheric Reading Room, celebrates and thanks the vibrant community of people who support The London Library.

Guests embraced the optional dress code of ‘hats!’ and enjoyed a reading of ‘A Mad Tea-Party’ from Alice in Wonderland by Helena, Richard E. Grant, Johnny Flynn, and our Chair of Trustees, Simon Godwin. Flynn and his band Johnny Flynn & The Sheldrakes then took to the floor, with dancing very much encouraged. 

Founders’ Circle patrons are first on the guestlist for the biannual President’s parties, in addition to being invited to a varied programme of exclusive events in and outside the Library.

To find out more, please visit our Founders Circle or write to our Patrons team (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

We are delighted to announce that Her Majesty The Queen will be continuing her support of The London Library and taking on its Patronage.

Her Majesty The Queen is a passionate promoter of Literacy in the UK and internationally, with particular focus on encouraging a love of reading and writing from an early age. The Queen’s Reading Room, the charity and book club of Her Majesty The Queen, celebrates and promotes the power and benefits of reading, helping more people find and connect with books which enrich their lives.

For the Library, Her Majesty The Queen’s endorsement will strengthen our efforts to inspire, support and promote the creation and sharing of knowledge and ideas through reading, writing and discussion, and help to establish the Library as the home of literary inspiration.

We are grateful to have had support from Her Majesty The Queen since 2012 in which she served as London Library Vice-Patron and hosted events with the Library. We look forward to her continued support over the coming years.

Photo: Hugo Burnand