The London Library

Abstract

Founded by Thomas Carlyle in 1841 and located in the centre of London, The London Library now holds a million volumes, mainly in the humanities, and has 8,400 subscribing members. It occupies a special place in metropolitan cultural life but also serves a wider constituency throughout the UK. Its late Victorian buildings have been extended several times but the site is now full. An active acquisitions policy covers the main European languages as well as English-language publications, and on average 7,000 volumes are added each year. Subscription income is supported by a substantial investment portfolio, which partly subsidizes the membership. All accessions since 1984 are in an automated catalogue which is now being extended to books in the library's historic catalogues. A preservation policy is being developed and much discreet modernization is taking place in this venerable institution.