The London Library Guide

1. The Wellcome Collection

This is the first library I tried here in London, and probably the one I visit the most often. Less than a 15 minute walk from the Academic Center, this library within a museum called the Wellcome Collection is incredibly convenient. It is a more modern design, with hanging lights, rocking chairs, and colored rugs. It is also less of a strictly quiet study location. This makes it a great spot to go with friends or group projects, but not the best if you are looking for complete quiet. It is also more busy than the other places I like to go, so it is sometimes difficult to get a great spot to sit.

What is also interesting about this library is that it is located within a museum. Coming from a place like New York, it is strange to have free access to a museum, but this is a great resource here in London. Study breaks to walk through museum exhibits are so much more exciting! Most other museums also have public libraries, and I definitely recommend checking those out!

Head to the second floor of the museum and follow signs to the reading room.

2. BFI Reuben Library

This is my favorite library here in London! This library is a bit smaller, but each chair has a sectioned off desk space, your own lamp, and your own power outlet. This space is completely quiet, and very easy to focus in! I always get my best work done in this library.

The BFI is located right on the south bank of the Thames, about a 30 minute walk or 20 minute ride on the Northern line from the Academic Center. 30 minutes seems like a long walk to go study but it is across the Waterloo Bridge, my favorite bridge in London: it is perfectly located on the curve of the Thames that you have an unobstructed view of both the modern skyline to the east, and the classic skyline with Big Ben and the London Eye to the west.

This library is located inside the BFI Cinema, on the left side when you first walk in the door.

3. Senate House Library

As an NYU London student, this list is obligated to include the Senate House Library; it is the library NYU grants us access to, and for great reason! This library is a more classic, dark academia library, with stained glass windows and tall bookshelves and complete silence. There are lots of outlets too! This library is less than a 5 minute walk from the Academic Center, so it certainly wins out in terms of convenience. With so many rooms, you are (almost) sure to get a spot to sit. 

To get your NYU provided library card to gain access to the Senate House Library, take the elevator to the fourth floor. Upon presenting your NYU ID, you will be given a library card that will get you into the library areas. 

4. Central Library

This library is a bit further away from the Academic Center, but is worth it! Take a 20 minute ride on the Piccadilly line to get to Islington, where this library is located. The reading room on the second floor is my favorite, with high ceilings and lots of natural light. It is a completely silent workplace, and each seat has its own outlet. This library is also a great one to support because of its many philanthropic projects. For example, their learning center is full of English as a Second Language classes for kids and adults, which they offer for free for anyone seeking refuge here in the UK.

5. Bethnal Green Library 

Like the Central Library, Bethnal Green Library is a longer, though well worthwhile, trip from the Academic Center: about 20 minutes on the Central Line. This library is tiny but beautiful, with dark wood and ornate crown molding. It feels like a stereotypical small town library, with regulars who know the librarians’ names and art classes for small children. It is also located within a beautiful park, with lots of dogs running around, so I enjoy sitting outside before and after my study sessions! This, like the Wellcome Collection, is more of a social location.

Library Cheat Sheet: 

• Social:

  • The Wellcome Collection

  • Bethnal Green Library

• Silent:

  • BFI Reuben Library

  • Senate House Library

  • Central Library

• “Classic Library Feel”:

  • Senate House Library

  • Bethnal Green Library

• More Modern Design:

  • The Wellcome Collection

  • BFI Reuben Library

• Personal Power Outlets:

  • BFI Reuben Library

  • Senate House Library

  • Central Library