The British Library is among the most popular tourist destinations in London. Aside from that, it is also a popular option for students who are seeking an excellent environment for study. Many people refer to The British Library as one of the best libraries in London and in the world.

If you are an undergraduate who wishes to use the British Library's reading rooms, you must first apply for a "Reader Pass"; this process can be performed on its website. You will then be required to provide supplementary documentation in person at the library. And what if you are a tourist who wishes to view the inside of the library or how it operates? Then you may access the library in various ways, such as by attending library-hosted seminars, conversations, exhibits, and events.

Last but not least, registration is not necessary if you merely like to sip a cup of coffee or socialize with friends in the main building's café.

Ratings: 4.5 stars (from 1868 reviews)

Address: London NW1 2DB

Website: https://www.bl.uk/

As one of the biggest lending libraries in the world (and one of the best libraries in London), the London Library boasts an extraordinary assortment of more than one million volumes and a fascinating history. Numerous writers, such as Conan Doyle (who penned the famous series 'Sherlock Holmes'), or Joseph Conrad (the author behind 'Heart of Darkness' and 'The Secret Agent'), have worked in the Lecture Room of the London Library, which was inaugurated by Virginia Woolf's father in 1896.

In addition, the tower, which overlooks St. James's Square, has magnificent book stacks and pleasant study and relaxation areas for library patrons. There are about one million volumes from the 18th century to the present day, elegantly displayed over 17 kilometers of shelves. Even better, there is a Writer's Room inside the facility, which is one of the most popular parts of the library and can accommodate up to 26 readers at once.

Ratings: 4.5 stars (from 133 reviews)

Address: St James's Square

Website: https://www.londonlibrary.co.uk/

Bishopsgate Institute Library is another famous library in London that we believe you should pay a visit to, especially if you are a non-Londoner who wishes to experience the city's best tourist destinations. And for students who are looking for a good place to study, Bishopsgate Institute Library cannot be more ideal!

The library is situated in the Liverpool Street neighborhood. Aside from its main function as a library, it is also an adult education center that offers several evening classes pertaining to the arts, culture, and physical fitness. People may escape the clamor of the metropolis and just explore the library's peaceful environment!

Since 1895, the Bishopsgate Institute Library has always provided a spacious venue for individuals with comparable interests and a desire to learn more about the world. In addition to private study space, this library provides a pleasant setting with a WiFi connection. Even better, the general public has unrestricted access to the library's holdings on numerous topics, such as London, labor, free-thinking, protest, and LGBTQ history, among other subjects.

Ratings: 4.5 stars (from 75 reviews)

Address: 230 Bishopsgate

Website: https://www.bishopsgate.org.uk/

Anyone - regardless of job, age, preferences, and social class - is welcomed to the Wellcome Collection Library - just like how the name of the library suggests! The Wellcome Collection Library has been a dear home for many scholars, students, authority figures, or anybody taking a keen interest in exploring the library's beautiful rooms and resources.

So what does the Wellcome Collection Library offer? For starters, the library includes free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and enough workspace, ensuring that everyone can have the most productive working time here. In addition, students may use library facilities to collaborate with friends or coworkers.

In order to order books and other items from the library collection, you have to become a member. Obtaining a day-visitor card is as simple as filling out the forms at the Library counter upon arrival - either if you are seeking a quiet spot to study or just like to peruse the shelves.

Ratings: 4.4 stars (from 61 reviews)

Address: 183 Euston Rd

Website: https://wellcomecollection.org/pages/Wuw19yIAAK1Z3Smm

The National Art Library of the V&A is a familiar name for many students and postgraduates. It overlooks the John Madejski, a beautiful garden that will calm you whenever you gaze upon it. The library contains one of the most extensive public referencing collections of books compared to many similar libraries. To be specific, these books center on fine arts and decorative arts in the United Kingdom, suited to any reader who has a keen interest in those topics. In addition, this assortment also comprises books, periodicals, exhibition catalogs, and electronic resources. You can be confident that the reading source is limitless! In total, there are around one million volumes in this collection.

Aside from books, the National Art Library of the V&A also includes prints, sketches, paintings, photography, design, metalwork, and sculpture. These priceless collections range from medieval works to modern materials!

Last but not least, there is a Study Area where students may study publications pertaining to fine art, architecture, and other topics. The public is permitted to peruse the books in silence.

Ratings: 4.4 stars (from 23 reviews)

Address: Cromwell Rd

Website: https://www.vam.ac.uk/info/national-art-library

Ranking number 6 on our list is none other than the BFI Reuben Library, another top-notch place for London students to study films and cinematic materials.

Why is it so special? The reason is simple: the reading resources of the BFI Reuben Library are very useful, up-to-date, and competitive. This collection covers an extensive array of material formats. Some of them include physical books, periodicals, and digitized content pertaining to cinema, tv, and the moving image. You can choose any material that suits your demands best! Even better, this vast collection is freely accessible to everyone.

Although it is possible to access most books and references during the same day, the library will ask you to request off-site resources prior to your visit. In addition, The Evelyn Fox Memorial Study Area is also available to anyone who wants to use all of its collection of books covering the history of films from its inception to the present day.

Ratings: 4.5 stars (from 21 reviews)

Address: Belvedere Rd

Website: https://www.bfi.org.uk/bfi-reuben-library

Touring the Poetry Library of the Southbank Centre will not cost you a single penny. That is the reason why so many people choose to come here in their free time. No matter who you are - whether you are a poet, a student, or just someone who is interested in poems and arts - you are always welcome here. It is a good place for you to relax while also learning more about classic poems and the history of poetry.

This library was formed by the Arts Centre in 1953 and launched by Herbert Read and T.S. Eliot. Poet Seamus Heaney conducted the inaugural ceremony for the Poetry Library of the Southbank Centre around 1988. Over the years, several authors have found inspiration in this library.

In the Poetry Library of the Southbank Centre, there is the greatest public collection of contemporary poetry in the world. Here, you may discover any poetry on any topic written by the best poets of all time. There is also a quiet Reading Nook for parents and children.

Ratings: 4.7 stars (from 15 reviews)

Address: Southbank Centre

Website: https://www.nationalpoetrylibrary.org.uk/