The proposed roof terrace at The London Library (Haworth Tompkins / London Library)
Consultation has begun on a new ground floor Discovery Room and roof terrace at the St James’s Square building
Consultation has begun on improvements to The London Library which it hopes will increase the public impact.
A proposed programme of work to the building in St James’s Square will “make the collection more accessible, support the needs of the Library’s growing membership, and will contribute to the long term sustainability of this leading literary institution,” it said.
The first phase of the proposed plans includes a new ground floor Discovery Room for learning and participation events for members and non-members, and a catering kitchen to service events in the Library.
The second phase includes a lift designed to improve accessibility to all floors, and a renovated members’ area on the 6th floor with a catered space to meet, a new reading room, phone booths and a garden roof terrace on the 5th floor with views across St James’s Square and beyond.
A fundraising campaign dedicated to raising the required funds is being led by the Library’s Development Department, overseen by the Chair of Trustees.
The Library will remain open throughout the works which will be staggered over a number of years, aiming to start in 2025.
A number of events for interested parties will take place, including a member event in the Library on Tuesday 4 June at which Philip Marshall, Director; Simon Godwin, Chair of Trustees; Stephanie Hall, Chair of the Trustees’ Buildings and Facilities Committee and senior architects from Haworth Tompkins will present and discuss the plans with attendees.
Godwin said the plans would “allow for greater connectivity with our collection and building, encouraging the meeting of imaginative minds, which is a key part of what makes The London Library special.”
“Through these new spaces, we can ensure the Library remains the vibrant institution it is today, supporting and inspiring readers and writers, while continuing to hold a unique place in our cultural landscape.”