Founded in 1841 The London Library is one of the world’s great lending libraries.

An extraordinary history, a vast borrowing collection and an outstanding building make this a unique place to think, to write and to be inspired.

Our collection contains over million books and periodicals, dating from 1700 to the present day, almost all of which can be borrowed. Browse 17 miles of open access shelves for an unforgettable voyage of literary discovery!

We provide an extensive range of electronic resources – from JSTOR periodicals, databases and newspapers – giving members online access, from anywhere in the world, to over 25,000 academic journals and other scholarly resources.

Inside the Library there’s a vast labyrinth of books, hidden corners and beautiful working spaces. From elegant reading rooms to atmospheric bookstacks, it’s a unique literary oasis in the heart of London.

From Sarah Waters to Kazuo Ishiguro; Charles Dickens to TS Eliot; Virginia Woolf to Bram Stoker; we’ve been at the heart of literature for over 175 years. A home for anyone who loves the written word. Anyone can join us.