The London Library

Up to 200
Moderate, Modest

About The London Library

Founded in 1841, The London Library is an iconic literary institution that boasts over a million books and periodicals dating back to the 18th century. With a number of spaces available for private hire, it’s the perfect venue for lovers of the written word to come together under its rich architecture and impressive bookshelves. The London Library can be hired for a range of corporate and business events, such as meetings, presentations, launches and celebrations, or even as a space to film. 

The venue spans a wide range of spaces, from traditional to contemporary, large to small. The Reading Room is the Library’s largest room available for private hire, with a capacity of up to 200 people standing or 100 for dinner, and offering stunning views across St James’s Square. It’s also one of the most impressive spaces, with soaring book-lined walls and iron balustrades, and offers flexible hire options. Choose to host presentations or drinks receptions in the main space, as well as speeches and small performances from the railed balconies.  

The Issue Hall is a slightly smaller formal space for up to 100 guests and is often used as a welcome or pre-dinner drinks reception area in conjunction with The Reading Room. For smaller events such as meetings or intimate dining, The Study is a traditional space designed in faux recency style which affords a grand feel to the room, with one long wooden table in the centre able to seat 12 people for a meal.  

Finally, The Art Room is the best place to revel in the library’s impressive art and architecture collection, and works well as a reception space or private VIP drinks area.  

The London Library works with a range of trusted suppliers, including caterers, production companies and florists, who are well versed at working with heritage venues to create truly outstanding events.  

 

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Venue Facilities
Disability access
Exclusive Hire
Wifi available

Good to know

Delegates/Guests
Up to 200
Venue Hire Cost
Moderate, Modest
Venue Type
Institutions, Members club
Venue Style
Creative, Historic, Light and Bright, Quirky and unusual, Traditional

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The London Library

The London Library Rooms

Art Room

Art Room

45
Standing
12
Banquet

This recently refurbished space, which houses the Library's extensive art and architecture collection, is a modern and inspiring space for smaller events, and works as a fantastic reception space before an intimate dinner in the Reading Room. It can also serve as a private area for VIP drinks during larger events in the Reading Room. The Art Room can be hired out as an independent space subject to availability.

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Issue Hall

Issue Hall

100
Standing
Room size: 150m²

Reached through the main entrance of the Library directly from St James’ Square, the Issue Hall offers a grand arrival point and is the perfect welcome for all guests and clients. This historic space can be used as a registration and cloakroom area for larger standing events in the Reading Room, or a pre-dinner drink reception area. The Issue Hall is included with hire of the Reading Room and can only be hired out as an independent space on Friday evenings.

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The Stoppard Room

The Stoppard Room

20
Meeting
30
Standing

Situated next to the Reading Room, the Stoppard Room is a fantastic space for filming or photoshoots, but can also be used as an event space for smaller presentations. Complete with a mezzanine level, it has high ceilings and an airy, modern feel, whilst still keeping some of the Library's traditional charm. The Stoppard Room is included with hire of the Reading Room and can only be hired out as an independent space on Friday evenings.

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The Reading Room

The Reading Room

£8000 Price per day
£3500 Price per evening
100
Meeting
200
Standing
100
Banquet
90
Theatre
Room size: 127m²

Offering stunning views across St James's Square, plus double-height, book-lined walls and elegant ironwork balustrades, the Reading Room is our main space for events and sits at the historic heart of the Library. The Reading Room provides a flexible and atmospheric space whether you are looking to host a sophisticated dinner, a presentation or a reception. As well as the main space, the balustrades can be used for speeches or small performances and offer guests a great view of the events.

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The Study

The Study

16
Meeting
30
Standing
16
Banquet
Room size: 36m²

Opposite the Reading Room, the Study is perfect for intimate dining or small drink receptions. Guests can enjoy the faux regency design of the space, complete with an original Robert Adam fireplace. The Study also serves as a field kitchen for larger events hosted in the Library, and gives caterers easy access to the Reading Room and to the lift. The Study is included with hire of the Reading Room and can only be hired out as an independent space on Friday evenings.

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The London Library's Pricing Summary

Catering

Venue hire, food and beverage packages available from £60 per person

AV Equipment

Included in hire

Packages

The Reading Room Price per day

Price: £8000
Valid from: 08-Mar-2024 until 30-Jun-2025
What 's included:
Price for day hire on Sundays - starting at £8000 for the entire day or £4000 for a half day.

The Reading Room Price per evening

Price: £3500
Valid from: 08-Mar-2024 until 30-Jun-2025
What 's included:
(Wed- Sun) Dry hire of venue based on a standard reception schedule: 17:30-18:30 set up 18:30-21:00 event 21:00-22:00 tear down

Prices are given for guidance only, please confirm all prices directly with the venue.


Location

14 St James's Square, St. James's, London, SW1Y 4LG

020 7766 4795

Website

Testimonials For The London Library

Montblanc (Photo Shoot Client)JANUARY, 2024

The London Library setting is not only a place for the traditional studying of the classics, but also a place influenced by the bustling, multicultural city around it, becoming a place for scratching beneath the surface and finding a new wave of inspiration in something that is unexpected, that goes against the current...An unlikely union of elegance and unconventionality.

Marco Tomasetta, Montblanc Artistic Director

Review from the Evening StandardJANUARY, 2024

The London Library is an institution addressed to the residents of this city. The pragmatic, confident and informal way it has developed since it was founded in 1841 illustrates the difference between an impressive experience and a place of character...[it] is probably the most wonderful library in the world...[and] the capital's best-kept secret.

The Evening Standard

Gorgeous SettingDECEMBER, 2023

The Library was such a gorgeous setting for our event, and our guests have given lovely feedback on the performances, the venue, and the delicious canapes!

Big Give

Hugely impressedJANUARY, 2020

We were hugely impressed by the whole team at The London Library, who were impeccably organised, thoughtful and attentive both in the run-up and during the event. The evening was a huge success and a particularly memorable one in the Library's exquisite interior. We could not have asked for a better venue and colleagues.

Josh from Faber & Faber

A wonderful spaceJANUARY, 2020

a wonderful space, unknown to most, with excellent party acoustics

David Longmuir


FAQs

Does The London Library offer disabled access?

Yes, the majority of spaces are accessible by wheelchair

Helpful? 0

When can I hire a space at The London Library?

Hire of The London Library is is available Wednesday - Saturday evenings from 5:30pm

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Does The London Library have AV equipment available for events?

The Library has microphones, a PA system and projector available for use at events as part of the hire fee.

Helpful? 0

Can external caterers be used at The London Library?

Yes, our venue is dry hire so we have a list of recommended caterers to use for your event.

Helpful? 0

Does The London Library have accommodation on site?

No.

Helpful? 0

How late can events at The London Library go on to?

The latest we can hold events is until 11pm.

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