The Barbican Library is a vibrant public library in the heart of the Barbican Centre with books, spoken word recordings, DVDs, CDs and sheet music available for loan to all members.

Along with the adult library located on Level 2 within the Barbican Centre, you will also find the Barbican Music Library and Barbican Children's Library, along with places to sit, read and study.

Opening Hours

Mon: 9.30am - 5.30pm
Tue: 9.30am - 7.30pm
Wed: 9.30am - 5.30pm
Thu: 9.30am - 7.30pm
Fri: 9.30am - 5.30pm
Sat: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Sun & Bank Holidays: Closed

The Library is also closed on Easter Saturday and Christmas Eve.

You will be able to renew your loans by telephone or online. You will need your PIN to renew items online. If you are unsure of your PIN please ask at one of our libraries.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

What's On

For information about events and exhibitions in the library please visit
https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/libraries/events-in-our-libraries.

Online Services

We have a number of free online resources for you to use through the City of London Libraries eResources. You will find instructions on how to join and use your library membership to access eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eComics. You can also learn a new language or brush up your skills with our Transparent Languages online service.

For music lovers, have a look at Naxos*, our music and video streaming service which offers library members over two million tracks to listen to from over 800 of the world’s leading classical music labels, and over three thousand full length videos of classical music performances, opera, ballet, live concerts and documentaries.

*To log in to Naxos, enter CL followed by your library card number.

Donate to the Barbican and Community Libraries

If you would like to sponsor our programmes for adults and children, please consider making a donation to our libraries. 100% of all monies received from donations comes to the Barbican and Community Libraries service.

Services

The Barbican Library is a vibrant public library in the heart of the Barbican Centre with books, spoken word recordings, DVDs, CDs and scores available for loan to all visitors

The Library prides itself on particular strengths in music (including listening facilities and practice pianos), arts, children's and financial sections as well as Internet access and self-service photocopying.

Within the Barbican Library, located on Level 2 within the Barbican, you will also find the Barbican Music Library and Barbican Children's Library, along with places to sit, read and work.

Membership is available to those who live, work or study in the City of London, and regular visitors to the Barbican.

Visit us for:

A dedicated children's and music library
Special collections in art, music, finance and London
Graphic novels, books and audio books
A home delivery service
CDs, DVDs and language sets
Free Wi-Fi and computers with internet access
Reading groups
Friendly, expert staff

Search the Library catalogue, access your account and renew and reserve books online.

Follow us on...
Facebook: Barbican Library
Twitter: Barbican Library @barbicanlib; Barbican Music Library @barbicanmusic; Barbican Children's Library @barbicankids
You can also find us on Instagram and Pinterest.