London Connection1The London Library
- Address
- 14 St James's Square, St. James's, London SW1Y 4LG
- Phone
- 020 7766 4700
- Website
- londonlibrary.co.uk
- Opening hours
- Mon–Tue 9:30 am-9 pm · Wed–Sat 9:30 am-5:30 pm · Sun Closed
Best Libraries in London
Libraries in London lend books, e-books and audiobooks, and offer free Wi-Fi, study space, computers and events for all ages. Below you will find our selection of 10 libraries in London, with address, phone number, website and opening hours for each one, followed by practical advice on choosing the right library, typical prices and answers to common questions.
10listed
10with phone number
10with website
2open on Sundays
1open 24 hours
10 Libraries in London
2Guildhall Library
- Address
- Aldermanbury, London EC2V 5AF
- Phone
- 020 7332 1868
- Website
- cityoflondon.gov.uk
- Opening hours
- Mon–Thu 10 am-4 pm · Fri–Sun Closed
3Shoe Lane Library
- Address
- Hill House, 1 Little New St, London EC4A 3JR
- Phone
- 020 7583 7178
- Website
- cityoflondon.gov.uk
- Opening hours
- Mon 9:30 am-5:30 pm · Tue 9:30 am-6:30 pm · Wed–Fri 9:30 am-5:30 pm · Sat–Sun Closed
4Guildhall Library
- Address
- Aldermanbury, London EC2V 5AF
- Phone
- 020 7332 1868
- Website
- cityoflondon.gov.uk
- Opening hours
- Mon–Thu 10 am-4 pm · Fri–Sun Closed
5Westminster Reference Library
- Address
- 35 St Martin's St, London WC2H 7HP
- Phone
- 020 7641 6200
- Website
- westminster.gov.uk
- Opening hours
- Mon–Thu 10 am-4 pm · Fri–Sun Closed
6The Maughan Library
- Address
- Chancery Ln, London WC2A 1LR
- Phone
- 020 7848 4440
- Website
- kcl.ac.uk
- Opening hours
- Mon–Fri 10 am-8 pm · Sat 10 am-5 pm · Sun Closed
7West Smithfield Library
- Address
- Pathology and Museum Block, St Bartholomew's Hospital, W Smithfield, London EC1A 7BE
- Phone
- 020 7882 8188
- Website
- qmul.ac.uk
- Opening hours
- Open 24 hours, 7 days
8Holborn Library
- Address
- 32-38 Theobalds Rd, London WC1X 8PA
- Phone
- 020 7974 4444
- Website
- camden.gov.uk
- Opening hours
- Mon–Fri 12-8 pm · Sat–Sun Closed
9Pimlico Library
- Address
- Lupus St, Pimlico, London SW1V 3AT
- Phone
- 020 7641 6200
- Website
- westminster.gov.uk
- Opening hours
- Mon–Thu 10 am-7 pm · Fri 10 am-5 pm · Sat 11 am-5 pm · Sun Closed
10Senate House Library
- Address
- Senate House, University of, Malet St, London WC1E 7HU
- Phone
- 020 7862 8500
- Website
- london.ac.uk
- Opening hours
- Mon–Fri 9 am-11 pm · Sat–Sun 9:45 am-9 pm
How to choose a library in London
- Join for free with proof of address.
- Use apps such as Libby and BorrowBox for free e-books.
- Look for children's rhyme times and homework clubs.
- Many libraries offer printing and scanning.
Checks and regulation: Public libraries are run by London council.
How much does a library cost in London?
Library membership is free. Prices vary by area, time of day and the complexity of the job or service, so always ask for a written quote or check the latest price list before you book.
Libraries across London
London is made up of 32 boroughs plus the City of London. The libraries above are spread across the capital; use the borough guides below to find options closer to home.
Libraries by borough
- Libraries in Barking and Dagenham
- Libraries in Barnet
- Libraries in Bexley
- Libraries in Brent
- Libraries in Bromley
- Libraries in Camden
- Libraries in Croydon
- Libraries in Ealing
- Libraries in Enfield
- Libraries in Greenwich
- Libraries in Hackney
- Libraries in Hammersmith and Fulham
- Libraries in Haringey
- Libraries in Harrow
- Libraries in Havering
- Libraries in Hillingdon
- Libraries in Hounslow
- Libraries in Islington
- Libraries in Kensington and Chelsea
- Libraries in Kingston upon Thames
- Libraries in Lambeth
- Libraries in Lewisham
- Libraries in Merton
- Libraries in Newham
- Libraries in Redbridge
- Libraries in Richmond upon Thames
- Libraries in Southwark
- Libraries in Sutton
- Libraries in Tower Hamlets
- Libraries in Waltham Forest
- Libraries in Wandsworth
- Libraries in Westminster
Frequently asked questions
How do I join a library in London?
Visit any branch with ID and proof of address, or register online.
Can I borrow e-books?
Yes, through the library's digital services.
Do libraries have study spaces?
Most have quiet study areas and free Wi-Fi.
Listings are compiled from public business information. Details can change, so please confirm opening hours and prices with the business before visiting. Businesses can request corrections via our contact page. Last reviewed: September 2026.