Libraries

Information about children and family libraries in the City of London.

Barbican and Community Libraries are the City of London's public lending libraries which are free to join to those who live, work or study in the City of London or who are regular visitors.

A host of weekly City of London Best Start Family Hub/Start for Life services and activities take place in our libraries. A termly timetable of these events can be downloaded here or in the Downloads section at the bottom of this page.

City Living Resident Card
The City Living Resident Card is the City of London Corporation’s new scheme which will give cardholders access to exclusive offers and opportunities from City attractions, local businesses, and useful services. And, it also acts as your library card! This initiative is part of our Residential Reset programme, which celebrates our vibrant City Living community and aims to expand access to resources and opportunities for residents. A card that is shaped with and for our community. For more information on City Living Resident Card offers and opportunities visit our webpage. 

Visit your local City library; Artizan Street, Barbican or Shoe Lane Library to claim your free 'City Living Resident Card'. You will need proof of address and a form of ID to sign up, and those already signed up to the library can exchange their existing library card for free. Information on joining the library can be found below. 

Anyone is welcome to visit and use our libraries, but to borrow items you will need to become a member.

Visit any of our lending libraries in person (just bring proofs of identity and address with you as outlined below), or fill in our online form in advance, then simply visit one of our libraries within three months of your online application with the required documents.

  • Anyone aged 18 or over can join free of charge as a full adult member provided they have suitable identification and a permanent UK address.
  • Young people aged 14-17 can show a school/college ID and school correspondence as proof of ID.
  • Membership for children under 14 will require a parent or guardian to provide their signature, identification and proof of address in order to complete the registration.
  • UK residents requiring temporary membership can join for the duration of their stay (minimum three weeks) by showing proof of a temporary address and identification.

Accepted forms of ID and proof of address

To join one of our libraries you need to show proof of who you are and where you live. Two documents are required, one from each list.

Proof of identity:

  • Bank card
  • Current, valid full UK photo-card driving licence with signature
  • Work pass, Freedom pass or Blue badge (all with photo)
  • Passport
  • National Insurance Card

Proof of address:

  • Recent utility or council tax bill, or tenancy agreement*
  • Current, valid full UK photo-card driving licence with signature
  • Recent bank statement*
  • Medical card or medical appointment letter
  • Student Loans Company letter or letter from college confirming address
  • Hostel accommodation letter (for those with no fixed address)

*Issued within the last three months.

Artizan Street Library and Community Centre - City of London

Visit the library for:

Accessibility
The library and toilet are located on the ground floor and are wheelchair accessible.

Maker space
Artizan Street Library's new Maker Space is now open: a special hub for digital design, craft and learning. Visitors are able to print in 3D and, by using other equipment provided including electronic sewing machines and laptops, gain computer programming and textile skills. Get in touch with the Library for more information.

Venue hire
For information about hiring the space, please visit the library page on the main City of London website: Artizan Street Library and Community Centre - City of London

For more information:

Artizan Street Library and Community Centre - City of London

Find the library on Facebook: (1) Facebook
Find the library on Twitter/X: (18) Artizan St. Library (@artizanlibrary) / X (twitter.com)

Visit the library for:

  • Books and audio books
  • Computers with free, filtered internet access
  • Regular activities for children including story times, rhyme times and much more
  • Friendly, expert staff

Project loan collections 
We provide project loan collections to local schools. Get in touch with us for more information.

The Library is wheelchair accessible and there is disabled parking available. Please see the Barbican Centre(external link) website for more information.

For more information:

Barbican Children's Library - City of London

Follow the library on Facebook: Facebook
Follow the library on Twitter/X: Barbican Library (@barbicanlib) / X (twitter.com)

Visit the library for:

Accessibility: 
The library and toilets are wheelchair accessible via a lift.

For more information:

Shoe Lane Library - City of London

Find the library on Facebook: (1) Facebook
Find the library on Twitter/X: (18) Shoe Lane Library (@ShoeLaneLib) / X (twitter.com)

Guildhall Library holds internationally renowned collections of books on family and local history, wine and food, Samuel Pepys, John Wilkes and Thomas Moore, plus the libraries of the Clock Makers', Gardeners' and Fletchers' Companies, the Antiquarian Horological Society, Gresham College and the Charles Lamb Society.

Archive collections, managed by London Metropolitan Archives and accessed at Guildhall Library, include the archives of 80 City livery companies, the Lloyd's Marine Collection and the London Stock Exchange.

For more information:
Guildhall Library - The Library of London History - City of London

Find the library on Twitter/X: (18) Guildhall Library (@GuildhallLib) / X (twitter.com)
Find the library on Facebook: (1) Facebook

City of London Timetable September-December 2025
City of London Timetable September-December 2025

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