Libraries • History Museums
Euston / Kings Cross /St Pancras
Top Libraries in London, England
Libraries in London
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South Kensington
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Trafalgar Square / Embankment
Libraries • Educational sites
Knightsbridge
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Holborn
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Southbank
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What travelers are saying
- MarkandLesleyBPreston, UK33 contributionsGreat to see the library. First visit, very busy with students.
Lots of coffee places and eating places inside. Toilet facilities all over the place too.
You need to join if you want to go into a reading room so take I’d.
Fascinating building.Written May 21, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - sheepygoldlondon4,949 contributionsI have been here for exhibitions before but years ago. The exhibition this time was about Shackleton's I'll fated expedition to the Antarctic. The story is amazing and the photos are outstanding and beautiful. I can recommend this exhibition to anyone.Written February 17, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Amanda O2 contributionsI first learned of this library and exhibitions when starting a new job and seeing posters in a nearby train station. Lock down being on-and-off and my work hours having to be quite fluid, it has taken me around a year to actually make the short walk here. I managed to secure a slot in the middle of the day for the 'Death Marches - Evidence and Memory' exhibition. I am so glad I managed to work my day around this event. The exhibition was small but still informative. Funds are still neded to help with ongoing research into srories that should never have been (or ever should be) forgotten. There is still a lot we don't know about these people, their lives and/or deaths, but the work continues. A wonderful gem of a place overlooking Russell Square. Working over at the nearby hospital, I am conscious of the precautions in place with respect to invection control, and the staff here cannot be faulted! Displays and the visiting public very well set out, no real possibility of tripping over each other here. I will certainly be back - maybe for longer once Corronavirus restrictions are no longer deemed nescessary.Written May 22, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- KirstenToronto, Canada47 contributionsThe London Library is a must-visit for literature enthusiasts. The bad news is that it's a private lending library, and you can't just walk in off the street. The good news is that they offer free tours one evening per month, and you can book free tickets through Eventbrite. These tours are an amazing opportunity to learn about the history and architecture of the building from an experienced guide, and see some of the treasures from the collection up close.Written June 25, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Zoe BWorthing, UK1,381 contributionsA wonderful opportunity to see inside this stunning building, the staff on hand were very helpful in explaining some of the history of the building.
The outside of the building has a lot of decorative stonework but nothing can prepare you for the inside! A contrast to the modern Lloyds building that it is paired with, the history here is immense and the opportunity to see some of the old documents was fascinating. Well worth a visit when it is open to the public.Written September 18, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Roland DLondon, UK1,225 contributionsThis is the former public records office, dating from 1856, and now the library of the esteemed educational institution King's College London. It was open to the public during Open House Weekend, when I found out that King's is one of the top 10 universities in the World. The library is certainly impressive, holding over 750,000 publications, including various special collections which can be accessed by appointment. The building is also quite amazing, occupying an historic site. The round reading room and the Weston Room were the most impressive, the latter being where they have special displays (one currently on American poetry).Written September 22, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- John BSt Helens, UK127 contributionsI had read about the Institute and thought it was a centre for German culture. While it does host German movie showings it is primarily a language school and not ( as I had assumed ) a German tourist information agency..Written July 19, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Steve B4 contributionsDropped in to see Smith's map and go into the Library to get a buzz from the literature. The map was protected from sunlight and the curtains were parted for me.Helpful staf.Written October 10, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- macedonboyGlasgow, UK153,681 contributionsAs others have mentioned, this library has a vast collection of books and written material specifically about London. It's more of a reference library than a general library, so useful for anyone doing research on London. Not so much for the general public though.Written March 16, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Liz DTrefriw39 contributionsAnother place I had always wanted to go but never did. Finally remedied that and spent a good few hours there. Learned so much! Passionate volunteers run it and it's full of info on working class rights and socialist movers and shakers. The tour is only a couple times a week so check before you go. The tour is £5 each.Written April 14, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- jeffgo2017London, UK5 contributionsThis beautiful library is coming back to life now that librarians are back in charge, though at present they can't cover the 1-2pm lunchtime. Plenty of books for all ages + DVDs, newspapers, new computers & WiFi. Children should have separate room as in the past; it's shocking several rooms are left empty. Weekly Chess club, monthly gardening & tea stall and lively book group are added attractions. The Friends organise free author talks first Tuesday evening, most recently Stella Duffy (Jan 2020). Walking into the lovely interior of this Edwardian jewel, you immediately feel you belong, you're at home, welcome, safe and free to discover & enjoy.Written January 18, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- VelanniLondon, UK17 contributionsNice small library in Wimbledon. Very quiet and hardly ever crowded, perfect place to come and read in peace.Written November 15, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- GOMS2013Newcastle upon Tyne, UK766 contributionsVisited this building for an event - maybe some confusion between Lindley Library and Lindley Hall. I think the Library is down stairs and the great hall above it. We visited the hall for an event earlier this week. It really suited the occasion and the hall was very well presented with plenty of helpful staff.Written October 21, 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Penny290406London, UK25 contributionsIf you are a member of the RCN and live within reach of the library in Cavendish Square, you are in luck! I'm a RN and I've been using the library for the past 15 years for post registration study. The range of books and journals is excellent, and remote access to the databases is invaluable. Actually going to the library to work is something I've always found very conducive to studying with plenty of computers available (there are always too many jobs at home to distract you!). There's also a nice cafe on the ground floor and a little museum in the library. If I have one negative comment it is that not everyone (staff or visitors) always respects a quiet environment! Anyway, once you've had enough studying, John Lewis is just over the road for a bit of retail therapy!Written February 3, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- wingateLondon, UK2,333 contributionsCame here today for Open House.It is a Grade 11 listed building.The hall dates from 1925/6,and the 100 chairs are all original.Worth visiting.Written September 21, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about London
- These places are best for libraries in London:
- British Library
- Royal Geographical Society with IBG
- The Wiener Library
- The London Library
- LRF Heritage & Education Centre
- These are the best places for budget-friendly libraries in London:See more budget-friendly libraries in London on Tripadvisor