The London Library Digital Archive
We’re delighted to launch The London Library Digital Archive, created with TownsWeb Archiving and powered by their PastView platform. It's now available to explore.
The archive gives access to more than 70,000 historical London Library membership records dating from 1841–1950, revealing unexpected connections and previously unknown members from across the Library’s history.
Early discoveries include Mark Twain’s original joining letter being read clearly for the first time through the digitisation process, alongside confirmed memberships of television cook Fanny Cradock and playwright Sir Terence Rattigan.
The digital archive is supported by the Unwin Charitable Trust with seed funding from Mark Storey.
(L: Note to Library member, J.G. Cochrane, first Secretary and Librarian of the London Library ca. 1845. Library Artefacts, SJS Basement Store, Shelf 4; R: Plan showing bomb damage to the Library)
The London Library Archive collects, preserves and maintains the Library's archival collections and manages member enquiries and access to the materials. The Archive is made up of all working papers, artefacts and ephemera created by the Library from its inception to the present.
With over 1800 items, the Archive contains correspondence, membership forms, minutes, property deeds, building plans, manuscripts and audio-visual materials that speak to the heart of the Library, its members and staff from its founding in 1841. The Library’s Archivist is Nathalie Belkin.
Working closely with Collection Care, the Archivist preserves the collections by implementing archival standards for cataloguing, preservation, housing and storage. The Archivist manages copyright, permissions, licensing and reproduction of its materials for use by researchers.
(L: Plan of The London Library; R: Request from W. Somerset Maugham to hold a specific book for him. Issue Books, SJS Basement Storage, Box 39)
View archival documents
The London Library conducts invigilations by appointment with 72-hours’ notice. To set up an appointment or for any research enquiries, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
