Join us for a tour of the London Library. 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 (Grade II) make this a unique place to read, to write and to be inspired by.

The London Library offers access to an extensive collection of more than one million books dating from 1700 to the present day, almost all of which can be borrowed. The collection covers more than 2,000 subjects with approximately 6,000 new books added annually. Browse 17 miles of open access shelves for an unforgettable voyage of literary discovery!

Members can access hundreds of current journals and periodicals, with backruns of 2,500 titles. The Library also provides 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, meeting rooms and information work spaces, to atmospheric bookstacks, it’s a unique literary oasis in the heart of Mayfair.

The Library’s collections are strong within the fields of literature, fiction, fine and applied art, architecture, history, biography, philosophy, religion, topography and travel.

It has nurtured a creative community and provided inspiration for over 180 years.