Top 10 Libraries in London
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Top 10 Libraries in London

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Priya
Priya Garg
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 14:08 IST
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.

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. 

Best Libraries in London

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.

Table of contents
  • 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. 

  1. The British Library
  2. Senate House Library
  3. Barbican Library
  4. Bibliothèque Quentin Blake, Institut Français
  5. Bethnal Green Library
  6. National Poetry Library
  7. The Wiener Holocaust Library
  8. National Art Library, Victoria & Albert Museum
  9. The Maughan Library, King’s College London
  10. 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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  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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)

  1. 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:

This was all about the nearby library for study in London!

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Written by
Priya Garg
Study Abroad Expert
Priya Garg is an experienced content writer and editor. With her rich experience in content writing, teaching and research & analysis, Priya believes in providing only the correct information which is also up-to-dat Read Full Bio
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