Top 10 Libraries in London
Finding the best libraries in London to study and work in remains the most important quest for international students. International students need to maintain a good score in their university term exams to keep their scholarships going and continue, if any and also to get a rewarding career ahead of their chosen course.
Being able to focus on studies in a foreign land can seem like a task especially when you are living alone and surrounded by your thoughts or just living with friends and you cannot trace a lonely spot for yourself to sit and focus on studying. This is the case when students go on the lookout for the “best libraries in London near me” or just all the “free libraries in London”. In this article, we will list the best libraries in London, their facilities, features, timings and locations. You can then just make your decision as to which library in London you wish to join.
Following the top 10 libraries in London list, we have also covered different libraries that will serve different purposes and needs of international students. Read this article till the end to find out.
Related Reads: Study Guide to UK for Indian Students
- Top 10 Libraries in London to Study
- Top 5 Libraries in London for Students
- Other Top Libraries in London
Top 10 Libraries in London to Study
Check out the best libraries in London, England, some of which are free of subscription fees, some of which are public and some of these are the most beautiful libraries in London.
- The British Library
- Senate House Library
- Barbican Library
- Bibliothèque Quentin Blake, Institut Français
- Bethnal Green Library
- National Poetry Library
- The Wiener Holocaust Library
- National Art Library, Victoria & Albert Museum
- The Maughan Library, King’s College London
- The London Library
Also Read: Part time Work Options in UK for International Students
Top 5 Libraries in London for Students
If you are studying in London, you will find many good libraries where you can read, study, or do research. These libraries in London have big book collections, quiet study spaces, long timings, and very friendly staff. Below you see simple details for the top 5 libraries in London so you can pick the one that feels right for you.
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The British Library
This is one of the biggest libraries in the world. You get books in many languages, quiet places to study, and many exhibitions also. Most parts are free for students.
| Detail |
Information |
|---|---|
| Library Name |
The British Library |
| Total Books |
Around 200 million |
| Location |
Euston Road, London |
| Timings |
Mon–Thu: 9:30 AM–8 PM Fri: 9:30 AM–6 PM Sat: 9:30 AM–5 PM Sun: 11 AM–5 PM |
| Subscription Fees |
Mostly free |
| Year Started |
1973 |
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Senate House Library
This library is famous for arts, humanities and social science books. Students can find very peaceful study spots. It is used by many University of London students.
| Detail |
Information |
|---|---|
| Library Name |
Senate House Library |
| Total Books |
2 million+ |
| Location |
Bloomsbury, Central London |
| Timings |
Mon–Fri: 9 AM–11 PM Sat–Sun: 9:45 AM–9 PM |
| Subscription Fees |
Depends on student type |
| Year Started |
1836 |
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Barbican Library
A public library with many books, audiobooks, and a strong focus on art and music. Students enjoy its calm environment and easy access inside the Barbican Centre.
| Detail |
Information |
|---|---|
| Library Name |
Barbican Library |
| Total Books |
Large collection (exact not shared) |
| Location |
Barbican Centre, London |
| Timings |
Mon, Wed, Fri: 9:30 AM–5:30 PM Tue, Thu: 9:30 AM–7:30 PM Sat: 9:30 AM–4 PM Sun: Closed |
| Subscription Fees |
Free for people in City of London |
| Year Started |
1982 |
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Bibliothèque Quentin Blake (Institut Français)
A very good choice if you like French books. It has many French and English titles, plus newspapers and magazines. The place also has beautiful artwork.
| Detail |
Information |
|---|---|
| Library Name |
Bibliothèque Quentin Blake |
| Total Books |
40,000 |
| Location |
Harrington Road, London |
| Timings |
Wed–Fri: 1 PM–6 PM Sat: 12 PM–6 PM Sun–Tue: Closed |
| Subscription Fees |
Free visit; borrow needs subscription |
| Year Started |
1980s (renamed 2015) |
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Bethnal Green Library
This is a simple, friendly library with a mix of old and new books. It has Victorian-style interiors and many community programs like art clubs and study help.
| Detail |
Information |
|---|---|
| Library Name |
Bethnal Green Library |
| Total Books |
Wide collection |
| Location |
Bethnal Green Gardens, London |
| Timings |
Mon–Wed: 10 AM–6 PM Thu: 10 AM–8 PM Sat: 9 AM–5 PM Fri & Sun: Closed |
| Subscription Fees |
Free (public library) |
| Year Started |
1922 |
Also Read: Most Affordable Universities in UK
Other Top Libraries in London
| Library Name |
Total Number of Books (estimate) |
Subscription Fees |
|---|---|---|
| The Wellcome Library |
800,000 |
Free |
| Canada Water Library |
Not available |
Free |
| Artizan Street Library |
Not available |
Free |
| Shoe Lane Library |
Not available |
Free |
| Guildhall Library |
200,000 |
Free |
| London Metropolitan Archives |
Not available |
Access fees may apply |
| Royal Geographical Society |
600,000 |
Membership required |
| The Wiener Library |
100,000 |
Free |
| Marx Memorial Library |
5,000 |
Free |
| Wimbledon Library |
Not available |
Free |
| LRF Heritage Centre |
Not available |
Free |
| Battersea Library |
Not available |
Free |
| Carnegie Library |
Not available |
Free |
| Royal College of Nursing Library |
Not available |
Membership may be required |
| City Business Library |
Not available |
Free |
| The Swedenborg Society |
Not available |
Membership may be required |
| The Inner Temple Library |
Not available |
Membership required |
| Westminster Reference Library |
300,000 |
Free |
| RHS Lindley Library |
200,000 |
Membership may be required |
| Crofton Park Library |
Not available |
Free |
| Forest Hill Library |
Not available |
Free |
| Shepherd’s Bush Library |
Not available |
Free |
| Cricklewood Library |
Not available |
Free |
| St Bride Library |
Not available |
Membership may be required |
| Wood Green Library |
Not available |
Free |
| John Harvard Library |
Not available |
Membership required |
| Kensington Central Library |
Not available |
Free |
| The BFI Reuben Library |
Not available |
Membership may be required |
Also Read:
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