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Top Library Venues in London
London is jam-packed with must-see sites for book lovers. Home to literary giants like Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and Oscar Wilde, real-life London and fictional London constantly overlap. And where better to channel some of the capital’s greatest writers and celebrate their works than the city’s libraries? Libraries are not only popular for literary events but are also getting increasingly popular for weddings and private events. Take a look through some of London's amazing library venues and plan your next event with Tagvenue.
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![Dulwich Library Hall at Dulwich Library in Dulwich, London]()
Dulwich Library Hall
60 guestsDulwich LibraryDulwich, LondonCheck availabilityEEsther S.
“Dulwich library is an amazing place with its historic ambience. ”from £68
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![The Library at University Women's Club in Mayfair, London]()
The Library
60 guestsUniversity Women's ClubHyde Park Corner StationMayfair, LondonCheck availabilityVVerity P.
“The room is very impressive and equipped with presentation equipment and sound as needed. ”from £1440
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![Library at One Birdcage Walk in St James, London]()
Library
200 guestsOne Birdcage WalkSt. James's Park StationSt James, LondonCheck availabilityMMorgan A.
“Great venue, communication and run of event! ”from £3500
hire fee / per evening -
![The Library at Club 16 Soho in Soho, London]()
The Library
10 guestsClub 16 SohoTottenham Court Road StationSoho, LondonCheck availabilitySSophie L.
“Absolutely impeccable service, venue and incredibly reasonable, particularly for the location. ”from £70
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![The Library at The Upper Norwood Library Hub in Crystal Palace, London]()
The Library
150 guestsThe Upper Norwood Library HubCrystal Palace StationCrystal Palace, LondonCheck availabilityAAlex H.
“Amazing!!! Very helpful and accommodating. Highly recommend. ”from £50
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![Art Deco Listed Library at Institut français au Royaume-Uni in South Kensington, London]()
Art Deco Listed Library
100 guestsInstitut français au Royaume-UniSouth Kensington StationSouth Kensington, LondonCheck availabilityKKatie.s
“The venue is beautiful, such a calm, serene place to hold a marketing workshop. ”from £480
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![The Library at Conway Hall in Holborn, London]()
The Library
60 guestsConway HallHolborn StationHolborn, LondonCheck availabilityEElizabeth B.
“I cannot recommend them enough. London is full of great venues but not many have a team like this one. ”from £400
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![Whole Venue at The London Library in St James, London]()
Whole Venue
200 guestsThe London LibraryPiccadilly Circus StationSt James, LondonHire of The London Library is offered exclusively to clients. The Reading Room is our main space, suitable for up to 200 guests for a standing reception or 100 guests for a seated dinner.Check availabilityfrom £3000
hire fee / per session -
![Library at Burgh House & Hampstead Museum in Hampstead, London]()
Library
20 guestsBurgh House & Hampstead MuseumHampstead StationHampstead, LondonOur beautiful panelled library, painted in olive green is the perfect space for filming, meetings, corporate meetings, receptions and intimate weddings.Check availabilityfrom £150
hire fee / per hour -
![Garry Weston Library at Southwark Cathedral in Southwark, London]()
Garry Weston Library
120 guestsSouthwark CathedralLondon Bridge StationSouthwark, LondonCheck availabilityMMartin D.
“Ambience, location, staff, flexibility of the staff. ”from £1955
hire fee / per day -
![The Old Library at The Charterhouse in Farringdon, London]()
The Old Library
100 guestsThe CharterhouseBarbican StationFarringdon, LondonDiscover the dignified embrace of The Old Library, a stately room that exudes history and elegance. Ideal for meetings, dinners, and receptions, this timeless space showcases the rich heritage of Charterhouse, proudly bearingCheck availabilityfrom £528
hire fee / per session -
![Library at The Royal Institution in Mayfair, London]()
Library
100 guestsThe Royal InstitutionGreen Park StationMayfair, LondonCheck availabilityRRhi
“Really great support from the venue and amazing location. ”from £2100
hire fee / per morning
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FAQs about Top Library Venues in London
Library venues are supposed to be classy venues with wide access to information. You can expect plenty of tech and tons of books at your disposal for productive meetings. If you are planning a dinner or more social event, aesthetics are what you should be seeking. Find venues with high, dark wooden shelves, comfortable seating, big windows, and warm lights for the best possible dining experience.
Central London areas like Holborn, with its iconic Conway Hall, and Westminster, home to many institutional libraries, are top choices for their central locations and architectural buildings. South Kensington is another prime area known for cultural institutions and their associated libraries. East London's Shoreditch offers modern libraries with modern designs for a more contemporary setting.
Yes, many of these quiet event spaces in London have catering options, though the specifics vary. Some, like The London Library or Bishopsgate Institute, have in-house facilities or preferred suppliers that can provide everything from light refreshments to full wedding breakfasts. Menus often include canapés, buffets, and plated meals depending on the size and formality of your event. At smaller spaces like Dulwich Library or The Upper Norwood Library Hub, external catering is often permitted, which gives you flexibility to choose your own suppliers. Just make sure to check the venue’s kitchen facilities and whether there are any restrictions on alcohol or late-night service.
Your Guide to Hiring Library Venues in London
Scouting for a library venue for your next event? Whether you’re hosting a Jane Austen-themed birthday party, book launch or poetry reading, Tagvenue can recommend a library venue that suits. So what are you waiting for? An amazing library venue is just a few clicks away!
Decorating Your Library Venue
Embracing the Aesthetics: Library venues naturally possess a charm and elegance that require minimal additional decoration. When embellishing these spaces for your event, aim to complement and highlight the venue's inherent beauty without overshadowing it. Use soft, ambient lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider string lights or tabletop candles for a subtle glow that enhances the rich wood and book-lined walls.
Strategic Decor Placement: Use decor strategically to accentuate architectural features and book collections without cluttering the space. Floral arrangements can add a pop of colour and freshness to the room, but keep them understated to avoid drawing attention away from the venue's character. Choose furniture and decor pieces that echo the library's theme, such as vintage or antique items, to maintain a cohesive look.
Ideas for Events Hosted in Book-themed Event Spaces
- Literary Soirée: Celebrate literature with a themed evening honouring a specific author or literary period. Encourage guests to dress in old-school attire and prepare readings or performances that bring the era to life.
- Historical Lectures and Debates: Use a library's scholarly ambience to host engaging discussions on historical topics, providing a platform for experts to share insights with an enthusiastic audience.
- Book Launches and Signings: There's no better setting to unveil a new book than surrounded by centuries of literary legacy. Organise readings, Q&A sessions, and signing opportunities to connect authors with their readers.
- Educational Workshops: Leverage the library's resources for workshops encouraging learning and creativity, such as writing seminars, research methodologies, or bookbinding classes.
- Cultural Celebrations: Host events that highlight cultural histories and literary traditions worldwide, complemented by music, dance, and cuisine that reflect the theme.
- Corporate Seminars and Conferences: Libraries provide a distinguished setting for professional gatherings. For an inspired conference, choose a theme that aligns with your industry's history or future direction.
- Weddings and Celebrations: A library venue adds a storybook quality to weddings and private events. Consider adding literary quotes to your wedding vows or table decorations to create a unique and personalised touch.
Some of London's Best Library Venues
- The London Library: Located across St. James Square, this venue offers a blend of Victorian architecture and modern facilities, ideal for any event, from academic conferences to elegant weddings.
- The Library at Conway Hall: located in Holborn, Central London, this venue is beautiful, providing scenic backgrounds for any event type, from photoshoots to book launches.
- The Library at University Women's Club: This venue is great for corporate events or meetings. It has modern audio-visual facilities to accommodate hybrid events.
Need A Unique Place To Get Hitched? Check Out These Library Wedding Venues
London has many beautiful library venues that work perfectly for smaller, characterful weddings and receptions. Dulwich Library is a budget-friendly favourite with space for up to 60 guests, perfect for low-key ceremonies.
The London Library in St James's grandeur with seating for 120 makes it an ideal wedding location for couples after a literary or heritage feel.
Bishopsgate Institute in Spitalfields boasts Edwardian architecture while being centrally located and is a great choice for a unique wedding after-party. If you're looking for a classier spot, Asia House, a grade II listed Georgian townhouse in Marylebone, has a light-filled period interior that suits elegant receptions.
Many of these venues lend themselves to romantic, book-themed or vintage decor styles, with candlelight, dried florals, and personalised paper details adding to the charm.
