(L: Note to Library member, J.G. Cochrane, first Secretary and Librarian of the London Library ca. 1845. Library Artefacts, SJS Basement Store, Shelf 4; R: Plan showing bomb damage to the Library)

The London Library Archive collects, preserves and maintains the Library's archival collections and manages member enquiries and access to the materials. The Archive is made up of all working papers, artefacts and ephemera created by the Library from its inception to the present.

With over 1800 items, the Archive contains correspondence, membership forms, minutes, property deeds, building plans, manuscripts and audio-visual materials that speak to the heart of the Library, its members and staff from its founding in 1841. The Library’s Archivist is Nathalie Belkin.

Working closely with Collection Care, the Archivist preserves the collections by implementing archival standards for cataloguing, preservation, housing and storage.  The Archivist manages copyright, permissions, licensing and reproduction of its materials for use by researchers.   

(L: Plan of The London Library;  R: Request from W. Somerset Maugham to hold a specific book for him. Issue Books, SJS Basement Storage, Box 39)

View archival documents

The London Library conducts invigilations by appointment with 72-hours’ notice. To set up an appointment or for any research enquiries, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.