The London Library
Library · St. James's ·

The London Library

Library · St. James's ·

One million books, historic lending library, literary resource

The London Library by null
The London Library by
The London Library by null
The London Library by null
The London Library by null
The London Library by null
The London Library by null
The London Library by null
The London Library by null
The London Library by null
The London Library by null
The London Library by null
The London Library by null
The London Library by null
The London Library by null
The London Library by null
The London Library by null
The London Library by null
The London Library by null
The London Library by null
The London Library by null
The London Library by null

Information

14 St James's Square, London SW1Y 4LG, United Kingdom Get directions

Information

Static Map

14 St James's Square, London SW1Y 4LG, United Kingdom Get directions

+44 20 7766 4700
londonlibrary.co.uk
@thelondonlibrary
𝕏
@thelondonlib

Features

wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Dec 1, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@onthegrid
18,031 Postcards · 835 Cities

On the Grid : The London Library

"At No.14 St James’s Square, in what looks like a neat Georgian terrace, are the one million books of the London Library and the largest independent lending library in the world. Their policy of never throwing out a book, combined with keeping up-to-date with new titles, means the collection grows by 8,000 each year — and it’s nearly all available to take home. From some of the nation’s earliest books to contemporary journals, you can browse its seventeen miles and choose a bit to take home with you. A living, working, evolving resource — it’s the original Internet." - dn&co.

https://onthegrid.city/london/st-jamess/the-london-library
The London Library
@onthegrid
18,031 Postcards · 835 Cities

"The London Library, St Jamess. At No.14 St James’s Square, in what looks like a neat Georgian terrace, are the one million books of the London Library and the largest independent lending library in the world. Their policy of never throwing out a book, combined with keeping up-to-date with new titles, means the collection grows by 8,000 each year — and it’s nearly all available to take home. From some of the nation’s earliest books to contemporary journals, you can browse its seventeen miles and choose a bit to take home with you. A living, working, evolving resource — it’s the original Internet."

London
The London Library

Jekaterina D.

Google
This is a member library - so not for tourists, but if you live in the UK I really recommend to join. It is a magical place for research, with extensive multi-lingual collections spanning over one million books. If you’re self-employed, it’s a wonderful place to work from. As a London local, my only regret is not signing up sooner.

Tavinder N.

Google
I have never been to the London library, first time it is a beautiful place. Though hot in the heat not properly made for the century of today. I found it difficult to navigate and find what I wanted. It was too uncomfortable for me to stay and I couldn’t find what I wanted it was too much of a maze.

Rachel S.

Google
A beautiful space in central london, so much literature history contained in one building!!! Founded in 1841 by Thomas Carlyle as an alternative to the library in the British Museum. They have a huge range of books, private members library although they do run tours. Wondering the stacks and getting lost is half the fun. Praises can not be sung loud enough about the staff just utterly lovely!

Drunken Duck P.

Google
A beautiful quiet space in the noisy over populated metropolis that is London. Make sure you're a member prior to attending. I fancied a laugh and picked up 'The Curse of Dutch Courage' book by comic Lazza Ogden. I was shushed about twenty times within the first hour of reading as it was laugh out loud funny. Well worth a read people (Currently £10.99 on Amazon I think) I also recommend the tea served. Simply divine. Great visit, its like a trip back in time with its chic decor. So much variety of book to choose from. I will be back & have been.

Laura G.

Google
The best place to research and work. Magical place. Great staff and fantastic atmosphere.

алициа

Google
Only members can access the library! This is not a public library. Would like to rate one star but this would not appear on the top of the reviews, thus the 5 stars rating. This will save you from wasting your trip down there.

Sidney A.

Google
A little bit eerie because of old books, but definitely be loved by bookworms/book lovers because of miles of miles of books to read.

Felipe L.

Google
The London Library is a cultural gem. A wealth of knowledge, an atmosphere of grandeur. Amazing collection, spacious reading rooms. The perfect place to immerse yourself in the world of literature and education. Highly recommended for all lovers of books and knowledge

Tony M.

Yelp
A magnificent and historic library - a wonderful place for scholars and other bookish people.