The London Library
The advancement of education, learning and knowledge by the provision and maintenance in London of a library embracing the arts and humanities
Activities & Mission
The advancement of education, learning and knowledge by the provision and maintenance in London of a library embracing the arts and humanities
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 28% of UK Arts charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 780). How is this calculated?
Higher than 24% of UK Arts charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 16% of UK Arts charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £6,272,245 | £5,793,033 | £4,929,804 | £32,304,550 | £2,630,125 | 73 / 1 |
| 2024 | £4,845,182 | £5,236,178 | £4,514,481 | £31,835,235 | £2,273,326 | 68 / 1 |
| 2023 | £6,036,359 | £4,633,958 | £3,927,528 | £31,714,958 | £2,544,613 | 73 / 1 |
| 2022 | £4,044,162 | £4,766,520 | £3,994,429 | £31,054,184 | £2,149,939 | 73 / 1 |
| 2021 | £4,895,108 | £4,231,323 | £3,533,489 | £30,426,883 | £23,113,973 | 65 / 2 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The London Library
What does The London Library do?
The advancement of education, learning and knowledge by the provision and maintenance in London of a library embracing the arts and humanities
How much income did The London Library report in 2025?
The London Library reported total income of £6.27m and reported expenditure of £5.79m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is The London Library?
The London Library has a program ratio of 78.6%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 28% of UK Arts charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 780 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was The London Library registered as a charity?
The London Library was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 8 October 1968 as charity number 312175. It has been registered for 58 years.
Who runs The London Library?
The London Library is governed by a board of 15 trustees. The chair of trustees is Simon Godwin. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The London Library operate?
The London Library operates in England And Wales, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is The London Library a registered charity?
Yes — The London Library is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 312175.
Details
14 ST. JAMES'S SQUARE
LONDON
SW1Y 4LG
Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Also governs 3 other charities
Also governs 3 other charities
Sectors & Classifications
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated