Best Bookstores & Libraries in London, United Kingdom

1. Daunt Books Marylebone

Victorian bookshop with a travel-focused selection and a beautiful interior.

Travel Focus: Offers an extensive collection of books about travel and explorations.
Beautiful Interior: Features a stunning Victorian architecture, making it an aesthetic destination for book lovers.
Knowledgeable Staff: Staff members are well-read and can provide personalized recommendations.

Iconic 6-storey bookshop with a vast range of books and unique events.

Extensive Selection: Boasts an incredible selection of over 200,000 titles across all genres.
Historical Significance: Has a rich history dating back to 1903 and is often associated with the literary scene in London.
Events and Workshops: Hosts numerous author events, workshops, and book signings throughout the year.

Intimate bookstore focused on literary fiction and non-fiction, also features a café.

Literary Focus: Specializes in literature, art, and cultural criticism with a curated selection of books.
Café: Offers a café where visitors can enjoy coffee or tea while browsing the bookstore.
Literary Events: Hosts talks, readings, and discussions with authors, making it an engaging destination for literature enthusiasts.

Charity bookstore supporting human rights campaigns while offering an extensive selection of books.

Charitable Purpose: Proceeds from sales support Amnesty International’s global human rights work.
Quality Selection: Features a vast selection of books donated by the public, ensuring a quality and diverse offering.
Community-Driven: Relies on volunteers to manage the bookstore, fostering a sense of community among visitors.

Sprawling flagship store featuring eight floors of books, events, and a café.

Extensive Selection: Features an extensive selection of books across all genres.
Events Space: Offers a large events space for author talks, book signings, and other literary gatherings.
Café and Restaurant: Boasts a café on the fifth floor as well as a restaurant on the sixth floor.

Independent bookstore showcasing international literature, with a focus on works in translation.

International Literature: Specializes in promoting and selling works from around the world, particularly those in translation.
Community Engagement: Hosts events to engage with the local community and foster a love for literature.
Knowledgeable Staff: Staff members are well-read, offering personalized recommendations based on customer preferences.

Library containing over 180,000 books, journals, and music scores for visitors.

Comprehensive Selection: Offers a vast collection of books, music scores, and academic journals.
Access to Music Performances: Provides access to performances at the Southbank Centre venues nearby.
Exhibitions and Workshops: Features exhibitions, workshops, and events on various topics related to literature, music, and culture.

National library of the UK housing millions of items from around the world.

World-class Collection: Houses a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and other resources, including many rare and unique items.
Exhibitions: Regularly hosts exhibitions showcasing various aspects of literature, history, and culture.
Digital Resources: Provides digital resources, including millions of items available for free online through its website.

Four reading rooms offering access to the British Library's collection.

Access to Rare Resources: Allows researchers and scholars access to rare books, manuscripts, and other resources not available elsewhere.
Research Support: Provides support for research including copying facilities, computers, and expert assistance.
peaceful Atmosphere: Offers a peaceful and focused environment for scholars to carry out their research.

Library exploring the connection between art, medicine, and human experience.

Unique Themes: Focuses on themes related to the intersection of art, medicine, and life sciences.
Exhibitions and Events: Regularly hosts exhibitions, events, and workshops that explore these unique themes.
Free Admission: Admits visitors for free, making it an affordable cultural destination in London.

University of London library with extensive resources for research and study.

Academic Resources: Offers a vast collection of books, journals, and other resources for academic research.
Expert Support: Provides expert support and assistance to scholars and researchers.
Access to Resources: Granted access to resources from other libraries in the University of London network.

Museum dedicated to cartoons, comics, and graphic art, with a library for research.

Cartoon & Comic Art: Focuses on the history, evolution, and impact of cartoons, comics, and graphic art.
Exhibitions: Regularly hosts exhibitions showcasing different aspects of cartoon and comic art.
Library and Archive: Features a library and archive for research on the history of cartoons, comics, and graphic art.

Private members' library founded in 1841, featuring a vast collection of books and resources.

Private Membership: Offers membership for individuals who share a passion for literature and intellectual pursuits.
Extensive Selection: Features an extensive collection of over one million books across all genres.
Quiet Study Space: Provides a quiet and focused space for study, research, and intellectual pursuits.

Library focusing on the history, culture, and experiences of women worldwide.

Women's Studies: Focuses on resources related to women’s studies, feminism, and gender issues.
Exhibitions and Research: Regularly hosts exhibitions and provides opportunities for research in its collections.
Inclusive Collection: Features resources from around the world, highlighting the diverse experiences of women globally.

Archive dedicated to preserving and making accessible the history of London and its people.

London History: Focuses on resources related to the history, culture, and social development of London.
Public Access: Offers public access to its collections, making historical records available for research and study.
Digital Resources: Provides digital resources, including online databases and digitized collections, accessible from home or other locations.