The London Library@TheLondonLib

Open to all, we’re an independent library with around one million books and open access shelving – inspiring writers and readers for over 180 years.

 St James's Square, London
linktr.ee/londonlibrary
Joined October 2010
2,971 Photos and videos
Working at one of the desks scattered throughout the London Library's endlessly-unfolding stacks is the perfect way to soak up nearly two centuries of ambient intellectual inspiration and fine tune your focus. Find out more at londonibrary.co.uk
At the end of a starkly lit corridor of bookshelves is a bright window with a view of Georgian terraces in St James's Square London and green trees. In front of the window is a desk, at which sits a man in a green sweater bent over his work, stacks of books piled on either side of him. He is strongly backlit and the lines of the image create a dramatic effect.

ALT At the end of a starkly lit corridor of bookshelves is a bright window with a view of Georgian terraces in St James's Square London and green trees. In front of the window is a desk, at which sits a man in a green sweater bent over his work, stacks of books piled on either side of him. He is strongly backlit and the lines of the image create a dramatic effect.

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How many books can you borrow at The London Library? 📚 London Library members can borrow up to 15 books at a time – more than many public libraries. Most books can be kept for at least a month and renew automatically. Become a member today to explore almost 1 million books.
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Looking for your next summer read? 📚 Take a look at the new and newly returned titles in the Issue Hall – there’s plenty to discover. Why not pick up a new book for the summer?☀️
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A quiet corner. A desk by the window. A few uninterrupted hours to focus. 📚 Find your place to work in the Reading Rooms, surrounded by the quiet hum of ideas and the inspiring atmosphere of The London Library. #TheLondonLibrary
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Did you know the toilets in TS Eliot House feature floors designed by Turner Prize-winning artist Martin Creed? Commissioned as part of a mid-2000s redevelopment, each tile is unique, using marble and materials sourced from around the world. Discover more at The London Library.
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With our unique classification system and 17 miles of open shelves, you never know what you might discover at The London Library. Since 1841, our collection has inspired 185 years of serendipitous discovery for readers, writers and thinkers.
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Last week, we were delighted to welcome writers and publishing professionals to the Library for an evening in partnership with Byte the Book. Thank you to our speakers and everyone who joined us to make connections and consider the next step in their writing journey.
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On 2 July, Library Vice-Presidents Dame Caroline Michel and Sir Tim Rice hosted our 2026 Summer Party for supporters of the Library. Find out more: londonlibrary.co.uk/about-us…
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Join us and a panel of experts on Thursday 9th July at 6.30-8.30pm to learn about publishing, make connections and find out all the intricacies and secrets of the submission process. Book your tickets now: londonlibrary.co.uk/whats-on
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Last night, we were delighted to officially welcome the newest 26/27 cohort of our flagship Emerging Writers Programme, as we celebrated together at the launch event in the Reading Room. We can’t wait to see how the Library and its collection inspires and supports this cohort.
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Did you know that London Library President Helena Bonham Carter and Simon Callow are long-standing members of The London Library? Discover six books to add to your reading list that celebrate their literary acting careers - from classic novels to theatrical inspirations.
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This #NationalWritingDay, we're celebrating just a few of the authors who have found inspiration at The London Library over the last 185 years. From Charles Dickens and Virginia Woolf to Kazuo Ishiguro and Hallie Rubenhold, our collection has inspired generations of writers.
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Something exciting is coming for National Writing Day... ✍️ If you're not already on our mailing list, now's the time to sign up. Sign up to the newsletter: londonlibrary.co.uk/newslett…
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✍️ We are delighted to welcome a new cohort of 40 participants to our flagship Emerging Writers Programme. The celebrated initiative, now in its eighth year, is geared towards supporting early career writers. We can't wait to see what they create! ow.ly/cnnr50ZcONM
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Last night, LL85: A Room of One’s Own opened to a sold out audience. Freya Mavor delivered a captivating performance in the adaptation of Woolf’s essay by award-winning playwright Linda Marshall Griffiths and directed by Roxana Silbert. Find out more: londonlibrary.co.uk/whats-on
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We're gearing up for A Room of One’s Own tomorrow - and we couldn’t be more excited. Book now: londonlibrary.co.uk/whats-on
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Join us for a series of events celebrating 185 years of The London Library as a home of inspiration. Book now: londonlibrary.co.uk/whats-on…
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Last night, we were joined by fashion designer and London Library member Erdem Moralioglu. In conversation with writer Charlie Porter, he revealed his muses, inspirations, and how he has used The London Library to research, create and tell new stories.
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On Wednesday 3 June, we officially opened the New Room - a permanent, dedicated space for programming at The London Library. Read the full story: londonlibrary.co.uk/about-us…
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Today we’re celebrating the birthday of artist and designer Vanessa Bell - a key figure of the Bloomsbury Group and former member of The London Library. Bell played a defining role in shaping culture of early 20th century Britain through her work across painting and design.
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